THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


QUEEN 


ESTHER, 


AND 


OTHER     POEMS. 


BY 


FRANK  C .   BLISS. 


.\KK.N       I .  : 

!•  .    c,    BLISS    \    Co. 
1881. 


Copyright  by  F.  C.  BLISS  &  Co., 
Newark,  N.  J. 

1881. 
All  Rights  Secured. 


L.  J.  Hard  ham,  Printer,  Newark,  N. 


6114 


t 


TO 

MY    DAUGHTER, 
MRS.    E.    B.    KENNEDY, 

OF 

BLOOMFIELD,  N.  J. , 

THIS   VOLUME   IS   AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED, 

BY 

THE    AUTHOR. 


7G29SO 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

QUEEN  ESTHER,  II 

LESSONS  OF  LIFE,                                .  .     105 

IN  MEMORIAM,  -  183 

THE  MISER'S  FATE,                .        .        .  -     191 

MIDNIGHT  TRAGEDY,  ~         194 

WESTMINSTER,  -     197 

GIVE  US  THIS  DAY,  OUR  DAILY  BREAD,  -            2OO 

REFLECTIONS,            -  _       203 

LIFE   AND   DEATH,        -                                  -  -            2O$ 

CHRISTMAS    HYMN,             -           -  -        20? 


QUEEN  ESTHER. 


ACT  I. 

SCENE  FIRST— IN  THE  PALACE  SHUSHAN. 

KING  AHASUERUS.  '      (To  himself.) 

Three  years  upon  my  throne 
Have  I  now  sat,  conqueror,  and  ruler 
Of  mighty  provinces.     Vast  my  Empire  ! 
From  Caspian  Sea  to  Indian  Ocean,— 
From  India  to  Ethiopia 
It  now  extends.     In  riches,  how  exhaustless 
In  arms,  how  powerful !  for  all  the  powers 
Of  Media  and  of  Persia  but  do  my 

B  11 


12  Queen  Esther. 

Bidding.     'Tis  the  Imperial  Throne  where  sat 

The  noble  Cyrus,  who  Asia  conquered, 

And  with  his  fiery  hosts  pulled  down  the  walls 

And  towers  of  proud  and  haughty  Babylon. 

In  this  my  palace  Shushan,  the  abode 

Of  former  Kings,  'tis  fit  I  should  announce 

The  glory  of  my  kingdom, — its  riches 

And  its  power.     No  longer  will  I  rest 

In  proud,  unsocial  solitude,  for  Kings 

And  Monarchs,  like  the  great  orb  of  day,  will 

Shine  in  vain,  if  unseen — unhonored. 

I  love  dominion, 

Pride  and  power,  and  to  my  heart's  content 
I'll  use  them  !     Before  me  yet  shall  bow, 
As  subjects  and  as  slaves,  one  hundred  petty 
Kings  to  learn  their  Master's  will, — revolving 
Round  me.  like  stars  about  the  sun. 
Ho !  my  attendants. 


(Enter  Mehumen,    Biztha,    Harbona,    Bigtha,  and  others — the 
King's  Chamberlains — bowing.) 


MEHUMEN. 

What  is  our  Sovereign's  pleasure? 


Queen  Esther.  13 

THE  KING. 

Make  instant  preparations 
For  a  feast,  sumptuous,  princely,  regal, 
Worthy  of  Earth's  Imperial  Monarch — 
One  that  will  eclipse  the  dazzling,  gorgeous 
Banquet  of  my  famous  predecessor. 
For  our  many  guests,  the  gold  and  silver 
Beds  prepare,  and  bring  ye  forth  the  royal 
Wines,  with  goblets,  vases,  and  the  thousand 
Vessels  of  purest  gold,  now  lying  dust- 
Covered  in  the  secret  closets.      Burnish 
To  dazzling  brightness,  the  golden  sceptre, 
And  jeweled  diadem  ;  with  fresh  flowers, 
With  opening  blossoms,  with  fragrant  shrubbery 
Bedeck  our  hanging  gardens — scatter  round 
Arabia's  sweet  perfumes,  her  frankincense 
And  myrrh — in  halls  and  niches,  have  arranged 
Images  of  ivory,  of  ebony 
And  gold,  from  conquered  Ethiopia  brought. 
In  great  abundance,  gather  the  choicest 
Viands — the  rare  luxuries  of  the  East, 
And  for  the  space  of  one  hundred,  four  score 
Days  let  the  feast  continue.     Yea,  more  !     Send 


14  Queen  Esther. 

Forth  the  heralds,  and  let  rulers,  nobles, 
Princes,  scattered  throughout  the  provinces, 
At  the  feast  appear— homage  pay  to  him 
Whose  word  alone  is  law.      The  King  commands 
Their  presence. 

MEHUMEN. 

It  shall  be  done,  O  King ! 
As  thou  commandest. 

THE  KING. 

Let  there  be  no  delay ! 

If  not  well  done,  thine  head  shall  pay  the  forfeit. 
But  further  I  command ;  when  have  expired 
These  days  of  banqueting,  another  feast 
Be  given  in  the  great  garden-court,  next 
To  our  royal  palace.      Have  it  prepared  ; 
Festooned  about  with  hangings  of  crimson, 
White,  green  and  blue,  made  fast  to  silver  rings 
And  marble  pillars,  by  cords  of  purple 
Linen,  finest  in  texture.     Let  there  be 
Pavements  reared,  of  red  and  blue,  white  and  black 
Marble,  and  place  thereon  cushions  of  gold 


Queen  Esther.  15 

And  silver,  while  in  convenient  corners, 
On  golden  tripods,  set  up  the  massive, 
Frosted  basins — beside  them  precious  ointments, 
And  ewers  richly  embossed,  with  perfumed 
Waters  filled.    Our  guests,  dust-covered,  traveling 
From  afar,  will  find  them  useful. 

Twine  everywhere  around, 
Necklaces  of  choicest  flowers,  with  wreaths 
And  garlands  of  divers  forms,  and  colors 
Variegated.     Clusters  of  grapes,  composed 
Of  jewels,  pearls,  and  precious  stones,  bring  from 
Our  Babylonian  palace,  and  hang 
Them  o'er  our  golden  throne — let  fountains  play, 
Forth  sending  mist-like  spray  and  sparkling  streams, 
Cooling  and  most  refreshing.     Ten  thousand 
Colored  lights  prepare,  and  thickly  string  them 
Out  'mong  branches  of  the  trees,  in  hanging 
Gardens,  from  palace  windows,  from  every 
Marble  pillar,  and  let  those  brilliants  shine 
With  dazzling  brightness,  making  our  palace 
Shushan,  like  the  great  city  of  the  Sun, 
Beautiful  and  lovely.     From  highest  mountain 
Tops,  all  round  about,  let  fires  be  kindled, 


1 6  Queen  Esther. 

And  to  the  GREAT  SUPREME,  who  rules  the  spheres 
And  the  celestial  planets  we  adore, 
Let  sacrifice  be  offered. 

For  seven  long  days  and  nights, 
Shall  last  this  garden  banquet.     Hasten  now 
And  do  my  bidding,  and  at  the  proper 
Time,  to  this  great  second  feast,  invite  both 
Great  and  small,  for  all  shall  come  and  homage 
Pay  to  me,  their  Sovereign. 

MEHUMEN. 

We  go,  most  gracious  Sovereign  ! 
To  perform  thy  will  and  purposes. 

(Exeunt  attendants,') 


SCENE  SECOND — ROOM  IN  MORDECAI'S  DWELLING. 
MORDECAI.        (To  himself.) 

From  my  birth, 

In  mind — in  spirit,  I  have  worn  the  chains 
Of  slavery.     A  freedman,  some  may  say 
I  am.     'Tis  but  an  insult  to  our  race, 


Queen  Esther.  17 

For  what  is  freedom  without  human  rights? 

Worse  than  a  knavish  beggar  in  the  streets, 

I'm    laughed    at,    mocked,    derided,    scorned.     The 

words, 

"There  goes  the  heathen  Jew,"  in  tones  bitter 
And  sarcastic,  strike  deep  within  my  soul 
And  make  me  sick  at  heart.     But  yesterday, 
A  tinseled  knave  dancing  about  the  Court, 
Dared  utter  words  against  our  Jewish  race, 
Which  drove  the   blood,  hot,   boiling   through  my 

veins, 

And  woke  the  Devil  in  me.     I  would  have 
Struck  him  dead,  though  rack  and  gibbet  should  have 
Been  my  doom  ;  but  my  good  angel  Esther, — 
In  thought,  rose  in  my  mind — my  passions  cooled 
And  kept  me  quiet.     For  my  adopted 
Daughter's  sake,  and  to  fulfill  the  solemn 
Pledge  I  gave  my  dear  kinsman,  her  father 
On  his  death- bed — safely  to  guard,  protect, 
Instruct  her — hard  though  it  be — to  treatment 
Such  as  this,  I  must  submit. 

How  long,  thou  great  Jehovah  ! 
Must  this  lu-avy  curse  upon  Thy  chosen 


1 8  Queen  Esther. 

People  rest?     Tis  fourscore  years  since  they   were 
By  proud  Nebuchadnezzar,  sent  captive 
Into  Babylon,  who,  in  his  fiendish 
Hate,  destroyed  Jerusalem — in  pieces 
Breaking  the  golden  vessels  and  burning 
Solomon's  Temple,  to  Thee,  dedicated  ; 

Most  just  and  righteous  are  Thy  judgments, 
For  we  transgressed  Thy  law,  and  Judah's  king 
Jeconiah,  did,  as  his  fathers  did, 
Great  evil  in  Thy  sight,  and  Thou  dids't  send 
Him  captive  with  us.     Mercies,  Thou  hast  shown, 
For  which  we  bless  Thee  !     Our  tyrant  Master, 
In  the  plain  of  Dura,  most  impiously 
A  golden  statue  raised,  commanding  all 
To  bow  and  worship.     Swift  was  Thy  vengeance, 
For  forth  he  went  a  raving  maniac — 
With  brutes  he  herded,  till  his  hairs  became 
Like  eagles'  feathers,  and  his  nails  like  claws 
Of  birds,  and  like  an  ox  did  he  eat  grass 
Yea,  more !  the  good  and  mighty  Cyrus,  Thou 
Did'st  raise,  an  instrument  to  do  Thy  will 
Among  the  Nations  of  the  Earth.     Down  he 
Came  on  boasting  Babylon,  resistless 


Queen  Esther.  19 

As  the  thunderbolt,  and  swift  as  lightning, 

E'en  while  Belshazzar,  the  licentious  king, 

Was  gazing  with  his  midnight  revelers 

At  words,  "MENE,  MENE,  TEKEL,  UPHARSIN," 

Written  on  the  wall,  by  hand  mysterious. 

Belshazzar  fell,  and  with  him,  this  harlot 

City.     Then  went  there  forth  the  just  decree, 

Freedom  to  captive  Jews.     Had  Cyrus  lived, 

We  should  have  been  free  indeed.      Chains  we  wear 

Not,  but  still  are  slaves,  for  like  serpents'  fangs, 

This  strong,  cursed  prejudice  against  our  race 

Is  poisoning  its  very  life-blood. 

Like  aged  oak 

Rocked  to  and  fro,  by  whirlwinds  and  by  storms, 
So  must  these  feeble  limbs  a  few  years  more 
Withstand  the  scorn,  and  buffets  of  the  world. 
For  myself  I  care  not,  but  for  Esther, 
The  fair  and  lovely  maiden,  whose  many 
Virtues,  winning,  modest  ways  and  gentle 
Manners,  like  cords  have  bound  her  to  my  heart, 
I  fear  and  tremble,  for  should  her  matchless 
Charms  and  radiant  loveliness,  be,  by  some 
Heathen  dog  discovered,  like  a  pet  lamb, 


2O  Queen  Esther. 

Innocent  and  guileless,  she  would  be  led 
To  slaughter;  yea,  be  sacrificed  upon 
The  altar  of  his  passions.     But  hark! 
She  comes ! 

(Enter  Esther.) 
ESTHER. 

Thou  here?     I  thought  thee  absent, 
Dearest  of  fathers  !     Go  not  out  to-day ! 
My  heart  with  very  joy  doth  throb,  when  thou 
Art  present  with  me. 

MORDECAI. 

I  would  be  always  with  thee 
If  happiness  it  gave ;  but  life  hath  cares 
And  stern  necessities,  which  must  not  be 
Ignored.     We  must  have  food  and  raiment, 
And  like  the  busy  ant  and  bee,  daily 
I  labor  to  provide  some  future  store. 

ESTHER. 

Have  we  not  enough 
For  years  to  keep  us  in  our  simple  style 


Queen  Esther.  21 

Of  living?     To  see  thee  toil  and  labor, 

Embrowned  by  blazing  sun,  brow  seamed  with  care, 

And  hands  hardened  in  menial  service,  brings 

Sorrow  to  my  heart,  and  casts  a  shadow 

O'er  my  soul.     Could  I  but  toil  for  thee,  or  had 

I  wealth  to  scatter  along  thy  pathway, 

How  joyous  my  life  ;  for  always  with  thee, 

I  could  watch  thy  slow,  and  faltering  steps 

As  wintry  age  came  on,  and  for  all  wants 

Provide. 

MORDECAI. 

I  doubt  thee  not,  fair 
Daughter  of  a  noble,  but  a  misjudged 
Race.     Kings  cannot  boast  of  blood  more  royal, 
Or  more  pure  than  that  which  courses  through  thy 
Veins,  thou  soul  of  Innocence — of  women 
The  most  virtuous. 

ESTHER. 

Hast  thou  faith  in  dreams? 

MORDECAI. 

In  nothing  have  I  faith, 
Save  God  and  thee.      But  wherefore  ask? 


22  Queen  Esther. 

ESTHER, 

Last  night  I  had  a  dream  ; 
So  strange,  so  real  did  it  seem,  that  when 
I  woke  I  could  not  drive  it  from  my  mind, 
And  still  it  haunts  me.     Methought  I  wandered 
Forth,  one  bright  and  sunny  day,  to  gather 
Violets  and  pale  lilies  from  the  fields, 
With  which  to  deck  our  humble  mansion. 
Joyous  and  thoughtless  as  the  singing  birds 
Around,  onward  I  went  o'er  hill  and  vale, 
Through  verdant  meadow  and  up  grassy  slopes, 
Plucking  the  wild  flowerets  which  seemed  to  smile 
Sweetly  upon  me.     The  lengthening  shadows, 
And  the  sun  far  down  the  western  slope,  brought 
Back  my  thoughts  and  bade  me  hasten  to  return. 
Quickly  I  turned,  my  footsteps  to  retrace, 
But  all  had  changed.     Hill,  vale,  the  green  verdure, 
And  music  of  the  birds  were  gone.     Alone 
I  stood,  in  a  vast,  wild  and  trackless  desert, 
'Mid  arid  sands,  while  from  afar  still  blazed 
The  angry  setting  sun — seemed  like  the  eye 
Of  God,  throwing  His  burning  glances  thwart 
A  sinful  world.     Trembling,  helpless,  hopeless, 


Queen  Esther.  23 

Like  some  shipwrecked  wretch  cast  on  a  barren 
Shore,  I  felt  that  I  was  lost.     Oh !  how  my 
Heart  did  throb  and  my  pulse  beat,  as  if  some 
Raging  fever  burned  within,  while  the  brain 
Seemed  bursting,  from  the  hot  blood  that  pressed  it. 

Mine  eyes  I  raised  to  heaven, 
And  there  a.  speck  I  saw,  like  tiny  cloud 
Far  distant  in  the  air.     Nearer  to  earth 
It  came,  circles  describing  of  a  large 
Extent.     It  was  a  monster  bird,  with  wings 
Wide  spread,  and  of  prodigious  size  and  strength. 
Now  hovering  o'er  me,  motionless  it  seemed, 
For  I  could  see  its  cold,  black  eye  gazing 
Serpent-like  upon  its  prey,  then  circling 
Round   with  a  wild  screech,  like  fiend  incarnate, 
Down  it  swooped  upon  me  ;  then  skyward  went 
The  proud  eagle,  with  its  talons  fastened 
In  my  dress,  bearing  me  far  distant  'bove, 
The  clouds,  to  high  and  rugged  cliffs  where  foot 
Of  man  had  never  trod. 

Almost  bereft  of  sense, 
In  a  great  warm  nest,  among  the  eaglets 
I  was  laid,  which  cuddled  with  feathery 


24  Queen  Esther. 

Softness  round  me,  seemingly  delighted. 

And  thus  all  night  I  lay,  with  my  head  out 

From  'neath  the  wings  of  the  great,  powerful 

Bird  that  brooded  us,  upward  gazing  at 

The  large  convex  of  Chaldean  sky,  crowned 

With    twinkling    stars,    which    brightly    shone    till 

dimmed 

By  the  red  streaks  of  morning  light.     Soon  from 
The  east  up  rose  the  giant  Sun,  and  with 
His  burning  eye  scanned  the  earth  o'er  till  on 
The  rugged  cliff  it  rested,  and  on  us 
The  focus,  like  angry  God,  a  stream  he 
Hurled,  of  hot,  burning,  scorching  rays  of  light, 
Like  flame  concentrated.     We  were  consumed  ; 
No  !  not  consumed  ;  but  purified,  transformed — 
Perhaps  evolutionized. 

All,  methought  had  changed. 
The  eagle  was  a  man,  in  kingly  robes 
With  crown  and  sceptre,  and  his  word  was  law, 
While  round  his  throne,  as  nobles  and  as  lords, 
Were  the  young  eaglets  to  perform  his  will. 
Your  daughter  Esther  had  become  a  queen, 
And  on  the  throne  beside  the  King  she  sat — 


Queen  Esther.  25 

His  loving  wife,  and  sharer  of  his  joys 
And  sorrows.      Even  the  nest,  my  prison 
For  one  night,  was  like  the  Palace  Shushan— 
Most  beautiful  and  lovely.     Yea  !     I  dreamed 
That  power  and  riches  I  possessed,  which 
Freely  did  I  give  to  benefit  our 
Race  ;   and  you  my  father,  were  to  honor 
Raised  and  greatly  favored  by  the  King. 
This  was  my  dream,  painful,  yet  delightful. 
What  think  you  of  it  ? 

MORDECAI. 

Dreams  are  but  visions 

Of  the  mind,  which  come  and  go  like  summer 
Clouds — mere  phantoms  of  the  brain,  most  vivid 
In  conception,  and  varied  in  imagery. 
God  never  sleeps !     Nor  does  the  soul  immortal, 
For  while  the  passions  rest,  and  senses  sleep, 
The  mind  is  ever  active,  wandering 
At  will  'mong  by-gone  days,  and  scenes  long  since 
Forgotten.     It  can  no  more  rest,  than  can 
The  heart,  which  ever  throbs,  driving  the  life- 
Blood  through  the  system,  or  pulse,  which  ever 


26  Queen  Esther. 

Beats,  so  long  as  health  and  life  continue. 

Most  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made 

Is  the  human  frame.      Both  in  its  system 

Corporeal,  and  in  its  operations 

It  is  complex,  and  little  do  we  know 

Respecting  it.     Forget  thy  dream,  and  blot 

It  from  your  mind. 

ESTHER. 
I  cannot !     It  seems  prophetic. 

MORDECAI. 

To  me  it  seems  like  visions,  spectres, 
Seen  only  by  some  hypochondriac. 
But  Esther  go  not  out  unveiled  ;  thy  charms 
Might  catch  the  eye  of  noble,  or  of  prince, 
Who  gladly  in  thine  ear  would  breathe  the  foul 
Pollution  of  the  Court  ;  besides,  I  hear 
That  in  the  palace  a  sumptuous  feast 
Is  ordered,  and  the  King  his  heralds  sends 
Into  the  provinces,  commanding  all 
To  come — prince,  noble,  ruler,  and  do  him 
Homage  for  one  hundred  and  fourscore  days. 


Queen  Esther.  27 


ESTHER. 

I  never  go  unveiled  ! 
Our  ancient  custom,  do  I  most  strictly 
Follow. 

MORDECAI. 

Excuse  me  now ;  for  a  little  while 

Must  I  go  forth — soon  will  return  and  seek 

Thy  loved  companionship. 

(Exeunt.) 


SCENE  THIRD— QUEEN'S  APARTMENTS  IN  THE  PALACE. 
Vashti  the  Queen,  and  Sylvania  her  maid. 
SYLVAN  I  A.     (Entering.) 

There  have  arrived 

The  King's  chamberlains,  and  outside  await 
Your  royal  will.     Permission  they  do  ask, 
In  person  to  present  a  message  from 

Our  sovereign. 
c 


28  Queen  Esther. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

What  message  can  they  have, 
And  why  so  many  sent,  as  if  it  were 
A  ponderous  load  ?   but  hither  bring  my  veil, 
And  cast  it  o'er  me  ; — now  bid  them  enter. 

(Enter  Mehumen,  Biztha,  Harbona,  Bigtha  and  Abagtha — the 
King's  chamberlains — bowing.) 

VASHTI. 

A  message  from  the  King  ? 
What  is  my  sovereign's  pleasure? 

MEHUMEN, 

'Tis  the  seventh  day 

Of  the  great  garden-feast,  and  his  majesty — 
Our  sovereign,  commands  thy  royal  presence, 
And  has  sent  us,  thee  to  accompany 
With  the  crown  royal.     To  lords  and  princes, 
And  to  all  the  people,  he  would  exhibit 
Thy  matchless  beauty.     This,  his  signet-ring 
Shows  our  authority, 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

The  ring  I  recognize  ; 
But  most  strange  it  is,  that  he  such  message 


Queen  Esther.  29 

Should  have  sent — commanding  me,  his  Queen, 
Unveiled,  uncovered,  to  appear  before 
The  motley  crowd,  now  present  at  the  feast. 
Surely,  it  cannot  be  ! 

MEHUMEN. 

Such  was  his  command, 
And  with  it  gave  this  ring, — bade  us  hasten 
Our  departure,  and  with  us  bring  the  Queen. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

What  said  the  King? 
Give  me  his  message,  word  by  word. 

MEHUMEN. 

He  was  seated 

On  his  banquet  throne,  in  the  great  palace 
Garden.     Gathered  there  upon  his  right  and  left 
At  feast  reclining,  were  nobles,  princes, 
Rulers,  who  had  come  from  distant  provinces 
With  their  attendants;  and  of  the  lower 
Ranks,  thousands  were  present.     The  King  seemed 

flushed 
With  wine,  and  midst  the  revelry,  to  his 


30  Queen  Esther. 

Presence  called  us.     "  Go  to  the  Queen,"  said  he, 
"  Give  her  this  signet-ring,  and  bid  her  come 
At  once,  and  crown  our  banquet  with  her  most 
Gracious  smile,  and  matchless  beauty.     Hasten  ! 
And  with  the  crown  royal  bring  her.     The  King 
Commands, — let  her  obey," — those  were  his  words. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

I  am  a  Queen  ! 

And  in  my  veins  flows  royal  blood.     As  Queen, 
Obedient  have  I  ever  been  to  him, 
My  lord  and  sovereign  ; — for  nothing  has  he 
Asked  unjust,  improper.     But  now,  all  flushed 
With  wine,  the  mistress  of  his  throne  he  would 
Degrade,  and  on  her  brow  would  stamp  gross  shame 
And  infamy ;  I  will  not  stoop  to  acts 
Base  and  ignoble  in  themselves,  which  blot 
Out  modesty,  virtue  cheapen,  and  which 
The  rules  and  customs  of  our  land  forbid. 

MEHUMEN. 

If  I  have  grace  of  speech, 

Which  oft  has  served  my  country,  and  my  King, — 
And  would  serve  you,  most  sacred  majesty, 


Queen  Esther.  31 

Oh  !  let  me  urge  you  to  obey  this  stern, 
But  royal  mandate,- — unjust,  ungracious 
As  it  is. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

It  is  impossible! 

Custom  forbids  that  we  attend  these  feasts, 
Or  before  strangers  stand  unveiled.     I  am 
No  slave  polluted,  for  the  tinseled  throng 
To  gaze  at,  nor  before  these  licentious 
Princes  of  the  court  will  I  now  debase 
My  womanhood. 

MEHUMEN. 

Without  you,  we  tremble  to  return, 
For  the  King's  wrath  is  terrible. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

Have  no  fears  for  me,  for  sooner 
Than  obey  this  royal  mandate,  I  will 
Cast  the  Crown  from  off  my  head,  and  trample 
It  in  the  dust  beneath  my  feet.     Go  !  tell 
The  King,  he  wounds  his  honor,  tarnishes 
1 1  is  throne,  degrades  his  manhood,  when  he  seeks 


32  Queen  Esther. 

To  make  his  Queen  the  gazing  stock  of  those 
Vile,  drunken  revelers. — You  can  depart. 

(Exeunt  chamberlains.) 

( The  Queen  takes  off  her  veil,  and  throws  herself  weeping  upon 
a  couch.     Enters  Sylvania.) 

SYLVANIA. 

My  Royal  Mistress  weeping  ! 
What   mean    these    tears,  now  coursing  down   thy 

cheeks  ? — 
Sure  heralds  of  a  sorrowing  heart. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

I  am  sick  at  heart ! 

Would  that  I  were  dead,  and  in  the  cold  grave 
Forgotten. 

SYLVANIA. 

Dead,  and  forgotten  !     Remember  whom 
Thou  art,  and  who  thy  husband  is,  and  then 
Dry  up  your  tears.     You  are  not  unequal 
To  the  noblest  task. 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

Think  not  Sylvania,  that  without  cause 

I  weep,  and  seem  so  broken-hearted.     Thou 

Hast  been  ever  dear  to  me,  and  art  still 


Queen  Esther.  33 

My  loved  companion,  though  thou  dost  perform 
The  menial  service  of  a  maid.     When  crowned 
A  Queen,  unto  myself  I  vowed  in  all 
Things  to  obey  my  sovereign's  will, — conscience 
Permitting, — and  well  you  know  I  have  this 
Vow  performed.     The  King  has  been  a  loving, 
Kind  protector,  and  his  commands  have  not 
Been  disobeyed.     But  alas  !  what  fearful 
Change ;  the  sun-light  of  my  heart  is  now  puffed 
Out  by  the  dark  storm-cloud,  and  my  summer- 
Days  blasted,  as  if  by  winter's  frosts. 

SYLVANIA. 

What  means  my  mistress — 
Thou  art  still  Queen  ? 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

I  am,  but  to-morrow 

May  not  be.     The  King  has  pride,  has  power, 
And  an  imperious  will.     These  harden 
Kings,  insensibly  to  tyrants.     Inflamed 
By  wine,  he  bade  me  to  appear  unveiled 
Before  him  at  the  garden  feast,  and  like 
A  gew-gaw,  there  to  be  exhibited. 


34  Queen  Esther. 

SYLVANIA. 

What  folly  !  and  what  an  insult 
To  you  my  mistress  ! 

QUEEN  VASHTI. 

These  men, — his  chamberlains,  he  sent 
To  bring  the  message,  and  be  an  escort 
To  me  ;  I  have  refused  to  go — my  blood 
Shall  stop,  and  stagnate  in  my  heart  before 
I  change  my  purpose.     On  my  infant  mind, 
My  mother's  hand  traced  the  faint  characters 
Of  virtue  and  of  modesty,  which  time 
Has  deepened  into  strength, — so  deep,  that  death 
Alone  can  blur  them.     But  enough  of  this, — 
Come  with  me  into  the  ante-chamber. 

(Exeunt.} 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  FIRST— THE  GARDEN  OF  THE  PALACE. 

(King,  Lords,  Nobles,  a>td  Princes  at  the  feast  ) 
KING. 

How  fare  my  honored  guests, 
And  faithful  subjects?     What  can  I  do  more 
To  give  you  pleasure,  and  your  hearts  to  fill 
With  joy  and  gladness  ?     Let  the  cup-bearers 
Come,  our  goblets  fill  again  with  choicest 
Wine, — the  sparkling  juice  of  Egypt's  grapes. 
'Tis  our  last  night  of  banqueting,  and  we 
Would  have  it  pass  in  wildest  merriment. 
The  Queen  will  soon  be  here,  and  the  last  toast 
Shall  be  her  health  and  happiness, — for  ever 
Hath  she  been  my  most  obedient  subject. 

(Enter  Mehumen.  and  other  chamberlains. ) 

Where  is  the  Queen  ?     Without  her,  why  return  ? 

ts 


36  Queen  Esther. 

MEHUMEN. 

Most  mighty  Sovereign ! 
Upon  our  bended  knees,  pardon  we  crave 
For  our  offence,  if  in  thy  sight  offence 
It  should  appear,  because  we  bring  her  not. 

KING. 

What!  comes  she  not? 
By  my  soul,  'tis  very  strange  ! — explain  ! 

MEHUMEN. 

Obeying  thy  commands, 
We  called  upon  her  majesty, — showed  her 
The  signet-ring,  and  message  gave,  but  she 
Refused  here  to  appear,  unveiled  before 
The  guests.     We  urged  her  strongly,  but  could  not 
Change  her  purpose.     Custom,  she  said,  forbade 
Her  to  appear,  as  did  her  modesty, 
And  virtue. 

KING. 

Such  presumptuous  virtue 
My  pride  provokes,  and  what. is  custom  when 
My  will  opposes  ?     Did  she  say  no  more  ? 


Queen  Estlier.  37 

MEHUMEN. 

She  blushed,  and  trembled,  and  grew  pale, 
But  with  a  voice  clear  and  determined,  said, 
"  I  will  not  stoop  to  acts,  base  and  ignoble 
In  themselves,  nor  before  the  licentious 
Princes  of  the  court  debase  my  womanhood. 
Go!  tell  the  King,  that  manhood  he  degrades, 
Tarnishes  his  throne,  and  wounds  his  honor, 
When  he  seeks  to  make  his  Queen  the  laughing- 
Stock  of  midnight  revelers." 

KING. 

God  of  my  fathers  ! 

Was  it  to  me,  her  monarch,  that  she  sent 
This  impious  message.     This  virtuous, 
Modest  hypocrite   has  roused  a  whirlwind 
In  me,  and  for  it  she  shall  suffer.     Go  ! 
Bring  her  here  before  me — heed  not  her  tears 
Or  prayers ;  bring  her  by  force,  if  force  should  be 
Required. 

PRINCE  CARSHENA. 

One  thought,  most  gracious  sovereign, 
We  would  suggest — Vashti  is  Queen, — as  such, 


38  Queen  Esther. 

Should  be  respected.     Let  not  force  be  used, 
To  bring  her  here  against  her  will, — manly, 
Or  king-like  it  would  not  appear. 

KING. 

True  !  true!     So  long  as  she  is  Queen,  she  must 
Be  free  from  violence.     We  will  not  send 
Again,  but  must  here  devise  some  proper 
Mode  of  punishment.     Pray  tell  me,  Princes, 
What  shall  be  done  with  her,  who  wilfully 
Has  disobeyed  the  mandate  of  the  King, 
Insults  our  guests,  and  maligns  the  Princes 
Of  our  realm  ? 

PRINCE  MEMUCAN. 

It  gives  me  pain,  O  King ! 
To  freely  speak  my  mind  respecting  this 
Domestic  difficulty.     Accomplished 
Is  the  Queen,  most  wondrous  fair,  and  doubtless 
Is  a  noble  lady,  but  like  too  many 
Of  her  sex,  she  lacks  discretion.     She  hath 
A  spirit,  too, — which  cannot  brook  control, — 
Wild  and  ungoverned,  and  thus  the  counsels 
Of  the  King  she  laughs  to  scorn,  disobeys 


Queen  Esther,  39 

His  will,  refuses  to  comply  with  his 

Most  just  commands.       The  Sovereign's  will  is  law, 

And  the  King's  dignity  is  public  wealth, 

In  which  all  have  an  interest,  and  all 

Must  see  preserved.     The  Nation's  fame  and  power 

Is  founded  on  obedience,  and  he 

Who  disobeys,  must  be  at  heart  a  traitor. 

Not  thee  alone,  O  King !  hath  Vashti  wronged, 

But  all  the  nobles,  princes  and  people 

Throughout  the  provinces,  for  when  abroad 

'Tis  whispered  that  "  King  Ahasuerus 

Commanded  Vashti  the  Queen,  before  him 

To  appear,  but  she  came  not,"  all  women 

Their  husbands  will  despise,  and  the  ladies 

Of  Media  and  Persia  will  likewise 

Do,  as  did  the  Queen,  and  to  their  husbands 

Show  contempt. 

Therefore,  if  it  please  the  King, 
Let  a  decree  go  forth,  and  be  written 
Among  the  laws  of  Medes  and  Persians, — fixed, 
And  unalterable, — that  "  Queen  Vashti 
Be  dethroned,  and  to  another,  better 
Than  she,  be  given  her  royal  estate." 


4O  Queen  Esther. 

Throughout  the  empire  let  it  be  published, 
That  wives  may  honor  give  to  those  whose  right 
It  is  to  claim  it. 

KING. 

Most  capital  idea  !     Thy  words 
Do  greatly  please  me,  and  it  shall  be  done 
Instanter.     This  proud  Queen  shall  be  dethroned, 
Forfeited  her  estates,  and  to-morrow's 
Sun  shall  see  her  crownless,  kingless,  banished 
From  the  presence  of  her  lord  and  master. 
Yea  ;  more  !  forthwith,  into  every  province 
Letters  shall  be  sent,  commanding  every 
Man  to  rule  his  household,  and  from  his  wife 
Honor,  and  obedience  to  receive. 

PRINCE  ADMATHA. 

Most  just  and  righteous,  are  the  decrees 
Of  our  imperial  master;  but  who 
Will  take  the  place  of  Vashti?     The  Sun 
Must  have  its  Venus,  and  the  King  his  Queen. 
If  it  please  thee,  most  mighty  Sovereign  ! 
Throughout  the  provinces  let  officers 
Be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 


Queen  Esther.  41 

To  gather  unto  Shusan,  all  virgins 

Fair  and  beautiful,  and  in  the  custody 

Of  the  King's  chamberlain  let  them  be  given 

For  purification.     Let  the  King  select 

Therefrom — The  one  most  pleasing  in  his  sight 

Shall  then  be  Queen. 

KING. 

To  me,  Ahasuerus, 

Was  bequeathed  this  mighty  empire,  by  my 
Proud  and  noble  ancestors.     To  preserve 
Its  laws,  its  power  and  glory,  ever 
Has  been  my  strong  desire,  and  though 
My  word  is  law,  always  have  I  consulted 
The  wishes  of  my  people.     Admatha's 
Words  meet  my  approval.     I  could  at  will, 
Possess  the  wasting  tenderness,  the  warm 
Embraces  of  a  thousand  contending 
Beauties ;  but  'tis  proper  that  a  worthy 
Queen  should  be  the  sharer  of  my  royal 
Throne,  and  as  such  my  honored  wife.     At  once, 
Officers  will  I  appoint  to  gather 
From  near  and  distant  provinces,  virgins 


42  Queen  Esther. 

Both  beautiful  and  fair,  and  she  who  pleases 
Best,  shall  be  my  Queen.     The  feast  is  ended, 
Let  us  retire. 

(Exeunt.) 


SCENE  SECOND— IN  A  GLEN.    MORDECAI  ALONE. 
MORDECAI.     ( To  himself.) 

How  lonely,  and  how  desolate 
It  seems,  since  Esther,  my  dear  daughter,  has 
Become  a  Queen.     But  a  few  months  have  passed, 
And  yet  it  seems  an  age, — so  miserable, 
And  so  wretched  have  I  been.     I  cannot 
At  home  remain,  for  there  no  sparkling  eyes, 
No  pleasant,  joyous  laughter,  no  loving 
Kiss  now  greets  me,  but  cold,  dreary,  cheerless 
It  appears,  throwing  a  dark  shadow  thwart 
My  soul.     In  this  quiet  spot,  secluded 
And  alone, — by  loiterers  undisturbed, 
I  love  to  sit,  and  think  of  by-gone  days ; 
Of  Esther,  as  the  little  maid,  unstained 
By  courtly  honors.     Soon  will  she  give  me 
Audience,  as  twice  before  she  has  done — 


Queen  Esther.  43 

Most  secretly,  for  the  King  knows  not  as  yet 
Her  origin,  or  that  she  sprung  from  our 
Cursed,  Jewish  race.     She  promised  secrecy, 
And  I  fear  the  anger  of  the  King,  should 
He  that  fact  discover. 

What  a  strange  dream 

Was  that  she  told  me — which  I  laughed  to  scorn, 
And  bade  her  to  forget. — Dreamed  she  was  lost, 
Seized  by  an  eagle,  carried  to  his  nest, 
And  'mong  the  young  eaglets  brooded.     All  then 
Was  changed — the  eagle  was  the  King,  eaglets 
Were  princes,  the  nest  the  palace  Shushan, 
And  she  the  Queen.    All !  all !  has  proved  most  true. 
Was  it  a  vision  of  the  future  stamped 
Upon  her  soul  ?  did  she  not  also  dream 
Of  blessings  to  our  race,  and  I  honored 
By  the  King  ?     But  hark  !  footsteps  I  hear! 
And  now  I  see  approaching  that  villain 
Bigthan,  who,  dog-like,  hangs  about  the  court  ; 
A  chamberlain,  keeper  of  the  King's  door, 
Who  dared  insult, — calling  me  a  Jewish 
Beggar.     I  would  not  meet  him  here,  lest  one 
Should  die,  and  on  my  hands  I  would  not  have 


44  Queen  Esther. 

His  blood.     Within  this  hollow  tree  I  will 
Secrete  myself,  for  with  shrubbery  its 
Entrance  is  covered. 

(Crowds  into  the  hollow  tree.} 
(Enters  Bigthan.) 
BIGTHAN.     ( To  himself.) 

Teresh  not  here !     'Tis  past  the  hour 
Of  meeting  ;  on  his  promptness  he  always 
Prides  himself.     How  still  this  place,  and  quiet ; 
'Tis  just  the  spot  to  lay  our  future  plans, 
And  hatch  up  mischief.     But  here,  in  hot  haste 
He  comes!     like  a  blood-hound  on  its  victim's 
Tracks. 

(Enter  Teresh,  another  of  the  King's  chamberlains.) 
TERESH. 

You  here  before  me !     It  matters  little 
Who  came  first,  since  we  are  here,  away  from 
All  intruders.     Look  closely  round, — be  sure 
No  lurking  spies  are  near,  then  let  us-quick 
To  business. 

BIGTHAN. 

My  countenance  is  not  villianous, 
Nor  do  I  thirst  without  cause  for  blood,  but 


Queen  Esther.  45 

When  our  brutal  King  so  foully  Vashti 
Wronged,  as  her  near  kinsman  I  vowed  revenge, 
And  oft  I've  felt  inclined,  into  his  breast 
To  plunge  my  dagger  to  its  very  hilt, 
But  my  arm  was  stayed,  for  something  whispered, 
"  Wait  a  more  convenient  time.'"     Die  he  must ! 
Soon  will  his  pranks  be  ended,  and  Vashti 
Be  avenged. — Bigthan  has  sworn  it,  and  his 
Oath  he  holds  inviolate. 

TERESH. 

Our  vows  are  mutual, 

And  oft  I've  felt  like  breaking  o'er  discretion's 
Bounds,  and  in  his  very  tracks  slaying  him, 
Though  for  it  my  body  in  rusty  chains 
Might  rot,  or  dangle  by  the  hangman's  rope, 
Ignominiously  from  the  gibbet. 
Done  secretly  however,  we  are  spared 
All  pain  and  degradation.     Suggest  some 
Plan,  by  which  safely,  but  effectively, 
We  can  accomplish  that  we  both  desire. 

BIGTHAN. 

If  the  dethroned  Queen 
He  hud  restored  to  all  her  former  rights. 


46  Queen  Esther. 

And  privileges,  most  cheerfully  would 
He  have  been  forgiven.     Esther  he  loves, 
And  to  this  new-found  Goddess,  to  our  shame, 
Would  sacrifice  the  glory  of  his  throne, 
Yea !  the  very  life-blood  of  his  loyal 
Subjects.     Who  she  is,  he  knows  not,  neither 
Does  he  know  her  parentage,  or  lineage. 
From  obscurity  she  sprung,  and  'tis  said 
She  is  a  beggar's  daughter, — whose  pretty 
Face  has  thus  bewitched  the  King.     It  will  end 
In  death,  and  that  right  speedily.     You  know 
The  secret  door  opening  into  corridors, 
Dark  and  gloomy,  leading  to  the  narrow, 
Tortuous  stair-case,  into  subterranean 
Vaults.     In  the  farthest  vault  there  can  be  found 
A  spring,  just  in  the  middle  of  the  floor ; 
Firmly  'tis  held  by  screws,  but  when  unscrewed, 
Wide  open  throws  a  trap-door,  under  which 
Can  be  heard  the  rushing,  surging,  seething 
Waters,  flowing  into  the  great  cess-pool 
Of  the  palace,  and  bottomless  in  depth. 

Of  this  secret  door 
I  have  the  key,  and  at  a  stated  hour, 


Queen  Esther.  47 

Usually  alone,  the  King  passes  it. 

Behind  the  great  pillar,  near  this  door,  you 

Must  be  hid,  with  lasso  all  prepared.     When 

He  comes,  in  homage  will  I  bow,  with  words 

"  Your  pardon,  most  mighty  Sovereign,"  then  quick 

As  lightning  you  must  throw — standing  behind — 

The  cord  around  his  neck,  thus  strangling  him, 

And  speechless,  noiseless,  through  the  corridors, 

Down  into  the  dark  vaults,  we'll  drag  him, 

And  when  upon  his  knees  he  begs,  and  prays 

For  mercy,  gently  we'll  slide  his  sacred 

Majesty  through  this  trap-door,  down  into 

These  fathomless  waters,  and  like  a  dog 

Will  drown  him. 

TERESH. 

Your  scheme  is  well  concocted, 
And  to  the  very  letter  it  shall  be 
Carried  out.     Experts  we  are,  in  business 
Such  as  this,  and  in  this  little  play, — 
Let  it  be  comedy  or  tragedy, 
Will  act  our  parts  most  perfectly.     When  shall 
The  deed  be  done  ? 


48  Queen  Esther. 

BIGTHAN. 

One  week  we  give  him  yet  to  live. 
Within  that  time,  you  must  prepare  the  noose, 
Made  from  the  strongest  cord,  and  'twould  be  well 
To  practice  throwing  it.     The  vaults  I'll  visit, 
And  will  have  lights  prepared,  ready  for  use. 
When  seized,  he  must  be  strangled  instantly, — 
No  groan,  or  cry  escape  him.     When  within 
The  secret  door,  not  Heaven,  nor  Hell  can 
Save  him. 

TERESH. 

'Tis  all  arranged, — 
Let  us  depart,  we  may  be  missed  from  court. 

BIGTHAN. 

Agreed — Out  of  this  place 
We  must  be  silent  as  the  grave. 

(Exeunt. ) 
MORDECAI.     (Coming  out  of  the  tree.) 

Consummate  villains  ! 

What  horrors  would  they  perpetrate  upon 
The  King!     Oh!  how  my  blood  ran  cold,  to  hear 
Them  lay  their  devilish  plans,  their  fiendish  schemes. 


Queen  Esther.  49 

Monsters  they  are  in  human  form  !     In  spirit, 
They  are  devils  !     This  moment  I  will  go, 
Claim  audience  of  Esther,  and  to  her 
Disclose  their  schemes  and  purposes.     The  King 
Shall  yet  be  saved  by  me — the  poor  Jewish 
Captive. 

(Exit  Afordecai.) 


SCENE  THIRD — QUEEN  ESTHER'S  APARTMENT  IN  THE  PALACE. 
QUEEN  ESTHER.     (To  herself .} 

Why  are  my  spirits  so  depressed 
To-day,  surrounded  as  I  am  with  proofs 
Of  tender  love,  and  warmest  sympathy? 
Affectionate  and  kind,  the  King  has  ever 
Been,— watching  my  footsteps  with  parental 
Care,  while  across  my  pathway  he  throws  his 
Golden  sunlight.     Was  my  father  with  me, 
Most  happy  should  I  be, — the  throne  would  shine 
More  richly,  and  brighter  sparkle  the  gems 
Within  my  coronet.     Thrice  only  have  we  met 
Since  I  became  a  Queen.     It  seems  an  age 
Since  1  last  saw  him, — but  for  a  moment, 


50  Queen  Esther, 

As  spies,  he  said,  were  watching  him,  and  'twas 
Dangerous  for  both.     Could  I  tell  the  King 
The  story  of  my  life,  it  might  be  well ; 
'But  this  I  cannot  do,  as  faithfully 
Have  I  promised  secrecy.     Come,  cheer  up ! 
Soon  will  I  see  him,  and  perhaps  he  will 
Consent  to  what  I  may  propose. 

(Enter  Ophelia,  maid  to  Esther.) 
OPHELIA. 

There  is,  my  royal  Mistress, 
In  the  ante-room,  the  man  with  whitened 
Locks,  named  Mordecai,  who  thrice  before  has 
Been  admitted.     He  demands  an  audience 
With  the  Queen. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

He  is  an  old  friend, — 

For  years  we  have  been  acquainted.     Show  him 
All  due  respect  whenever  he  shall  call. 
Invite  him  in. 

(Exit  Ophelia.) 
MORDECAI.     (Entering,  and  embracing  her.) 

Thank  heaven  !   again  we  meet  ; 
What  mean  these  tears  ? 


Queen  Esther.  51 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Tears  flow  from  joy, 
As  well  as  sorrow.     I  am  so  happy 
When  I  see  you,  that  I  must  weep.     But  come, 
Sit  down,  for  weary  you  appear.     Is  it 
Well  with  thee  ? 

MORDECAI. 

Well  as  usual, 

But  have  come  on  business, — most  imperative, 
And  time  must  not  be  wasted. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

You  frighten  me ! 
Your  words  forebode  some  evil. 

MORDECAI. 

How  in  the  human  breast  do  passions  rage, 
When  once  let  loose,  and  from  their  proper  bounds 
Are  free.     How  madly  do  they  onward  rush, 
Swift  as  the  fierce  tornado,  up-rooting 
All  those  noble  gifts,  which  God  has  planted 
In  the  soul.     Dark,  proud,  suspicious,  brooding 
O'er  their  hate,  and  by  the  basest  passions 
Led,  two  chamberlains  of  the  King, — on  duty 


52  Queen  Esther. 

In  the  palace,  have  sworn  to  take  his  life, 

And  schemes  most  villainous  have  they  laid,  to  take 

Him  unawares,  and  to  a  bottomless 

Pit  consign  him. 

QUEEN. 

What  !     Murder  the  King  ! 
It  cannot,  cannot  be  ! — still,  you  would  not 
Deceive  me  thus? 

MORDECAI. 

Sooner  would  I  take  my  life, 
Than  cause  a  needless  pang,  or  crush  your  heart, 
Pure  and  sensitive  as  it  is,  by  words 
Too  horrible  to  relate. — //  is  true. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

As  mist  of  morning  shadows  earth, 
So  has  my  mind,  by  a  dark  cloud,  all  day 
Been  over-cast.     It  was  inexplicable — 
Something  I  could  not  understand  ;  therefore 
I  charged  it  to  thine  absence,  and  the  want 
Of  thy  dear  companionship,  which  I  have 
Thought  of,  dreamed  of,  and  anxiously  desired. 


Queen  Esther.  ,    53 

But  hasten  !  tell  me  of  the  plot,  and  who 

These  blood-hounds  are,  who  thirst  for  royal  blood. 

MORDECAI. 

When  Vashti  was  dethroned, 
To  many  it  gave  offence,  'mong  whom  were 
The  two  chamberlains,  Bigthan  and  Teresh, 
Her  kinsmen,  and  keepers  of  the  palace 
Doors.     This  morning,  as  of  late  has  been  my 
Custom,  I  visited  a  quiet  spot, — 
A  glen,  which  lieth  towards  the  east,  to  think 
Of  thee,  my  Esther,  for  thou  art  ever 
Present  in  my  mind.     While  there,  Bigthan 
I  saw  approaching — the  man  whose  insults 
I  have  borne — and,  wishing  to  avoid  him, 
Betook  myself  into  a  great  hollow 
Tree,  there  standing.    Soon  Teresh  came — his  name 
Was  spoken,  and  I  knew  his  voice — and  then 
They  swore  revenge,  and  laid  their  murderous  plans 
To  waylay,  and  destroy  the  King.     I  heard 
Them  all,  for  near  the  tree  they  stood,  wherein 
Concealed  and  undiscovered  I  remained. 

One  week  they  spare  the  King,— 
Then  all  prepared,  when  he  shall  come  alone, 


54  Queen  Esther. 

Passing  the  secret  door,  leading  to  vaults 
Beneath  the  palace,  Bigthan  is  to  bow, 
And  say,  "  Your  pardon,  most  mighty  Sovereign," 
Thus  gaining  the  attention  of  the  King, 
While  Teresh,  secreted  by  the  great  pillar 
Standing  near  the  door,  as  quick  as  lightning, 
From  behind  darts  out,  and  throws  a  rope-noose 
Round  the  King's  neck,  thus  strangling  him, — then 

through 

The  secret  door,  and  corridors,  they  are 
To  drag  him  dov/n  to  the  lowest,  farthest 
Vault,  and  headlong  cast  him  into  waters, 
Deep,  and  bottomless. 

QUEEN   ESTHER. 

Oh,  horrible  ! 

The  thought  is  sickening!     How  shall  we  act 
To  save  the  King,  and  give  these  human  fiends 
Their  just  deserts? 

MORDECAI. 

You  must  obtain  at  once, 
An  audience  with  the  King:  then  tell  him 
All.     At  a  moment's  notice,  I  shall  be 
Ready  to  appear,  and  verify  my 


Queen  Esther.  55 

Charges.     But  Esther,  I  forget  I  am 
A  Jew,  and  that  my  word  may  not  avail 
Against  the  oaths  of  villains,  standing  high 
In  office.     Tell  him  some  strategy  to  use, — 
Some  secret  method,  whereby  my  words  may 
Be  confirmed.     Doubtless  there  is  a  secret 
Passage  to  the  vaults,  from  inner  chamber,—- 
Through    this  the   King   might   pass  some   chosen 

guards, 

And  in  the  darkened  corridors  conceal 
Them.     Let  him  have  prepared,  collar  of  steel 
To  wear  about  his  neck,  and  guards  near  by 
Secreted,  to  watch,  and  guard  his  person 
When  they  spring  upon  him.     Great  secrecy 
Should  be  used,  lest  they  his  plans  discover, 
And  adopt  some  other  scheme, — failing 
In  this. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Your  counsels  are  most  wise, 
And  with  the  King,  my  influence  I'll  exert 
For  their  adoption.     Now,  fare  thee  well,  my 
Best  of  fathers  ! — but  accept  this  little 
Token  of  your  Esther's  love. 

(Offering  a  purse.) 


56  Queen  Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

No!  No! — I  need  not  gold,  but  seek  alone 
My   Esther's  happiness.     One  kiss  I'll  take, 
And  then  depart.     May  Heaven  guard  thee,  child  ! 
And  on  thee,  shower  her  richest  blessings. 

(Exeunt. ) 


ACT  III. 

SCENE  FIRST— HAMAN  IN  THE  OUTWARD  COURT  OF  THE  PALACE. 
HAM  AN.     (To  himself.) 

Am  I  not  Haman ! 

Respected  by  the  King,  and  standing  high 
Above  all  other  princes  of  the  realm  ? 
Am  I  not  petted,  toadied  by  the  court, 
While  servants  bow,  and  do  me  reverence — 
As  if  to  royalty  ?     My  rank  is  now 
Exalted,  and  next  to  the  King  I  stand 
The  idol  of  the  people.     With  wishes 
Gratified,  most  proudly  could  I  exult, 
Were  I  not  scorned,  despised  by  Mordecai, 
Who,  sitting  in  the  King's  gate,  throws  on  me 
A  most  contemptuous  smile,  and  will  not 
Bow,  and  do  me  homage.     Not  he  alone, 
But  the  whole  Jewish  race,  now  imitate 
His  clownish  manners,  which  tend  to  blast  my 
Honor,  and  traduce  my  fame.     Mordecai 


58  Queen  Esther. 

Shall  die  ! — and  with  him,  all  the  Jews  throughout 
The  provinces  shall  be  destroyed  ;  none  shall 
Be  spared — not  even  the  women,  nor  young 
And  helpless  children.     I  will  see  the  King 
At  once  ;  will  before  him  lay  this  vital 
Matter,  and  press  it  to  an  issue.      Here 
Comes  the  King's  chamberlain. 

CHAMBERLAIN. 

His  Majesty,  the  King, 
Bids  you  come  in. 

HAMAN. 

{Entering  the  inner  apartment,  bows,  and  salutes  the  King.) 

Health,  and  long  life, 
Most  gracious  Sovereign. 

KING. 

What  is  the  wish 
Of  my  most  faithful  servant  ? 

HAMAN. 

In  all  the  provinces  of  the  kingdom, 
Imperial  Master! — scattered  among 
The  people,  are  a  race  of  Jews,  head-strong, 
Envious,  and  bigoted,  who  glory 


Queen  Esther.  59 

In  their  shame,  violating  enactments 

Thou  hast  made,  trampling  on  laws,  and  boldly 

Thy  mandates  disobeying.     Their  manners, 

Customs,  laws,  diverse  from  ours,,  will  ever 

Urge  them  in  the  forbidden  ways,  which  lead 

To  rank  disloyalty.     We  have  done  all 

That  could  be  done,  this  evil  to  correct, 

But  'tis  in  vain  !     Our  words  are  treated 

With  disdain,  and  hurled  into  our  faces 

Back,  with  cold,  contemptuous  scorn.     Actions 

Like  these  will  tell  on  others.     Flame,  begets 

Flame,  so  disloyalty  begets  her  kind. 

If  it  please  thee,  O  King!  let  a  decree 

Go  forth  for  their  destruction. — Accomplish 

This,  then  in  the  King's  treasury  I  will 

Pay  of  silver,  one  thousand  talents. 

KING. 

The  silver 

To  thee  is  given,  the  people  also, — 
Do  with  them,  as  in  thy  sight  seemeth  good. 
Let  the  scribes  be  called,  and  writings  at  once 
Prepared,  even  as  thou  shall  dictate.     Let 
Them  to  governors  and  rulers  be  sent 


60  Queen  Esther. 

Throughout  the  provinces,  and  in  all  tongues 

And  languages  published — "  That  on  the  thirteenth 

Day,  of  the  twelfth  month,  all  Jews  of  every. 

Age  and  sex,  women  and  little  children, 

Old  and  young,  shall  be  destroyed."     Take  this  ring, 

And  with  it,  seal  the  writings.  —The  King  has 

Thus  decreed,  in  his  palace  Shushan, 

(Gives  the  ring.) 
HAMAN. 

It  shall  be  done  O  King!  their  doom  is  sealed, — 
They  die  !  This  most  presumptuous  race,  shall  know 
There  is  a  power  supreme,  that  will  enforce 
Obedience  to  thy  will. — I  hasten 
To  do  thy  bidding. 

(Exeunt.) 


SCENE  SECOND. — THE  QUEEN'S  APARTMENT. 

Queen  Esther — Ophelia  and  Bashmah  her  maids. 
OPHELIA. 

Pardon,  my  Royal  Mistress! 
I  permission  crave,  to  speak  of  one  whom 


Queen  Esther.  61 

You  respect,  and  whom  you  bade  me  honor 
As  your  friend. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

You  have  permission. 
Speak  freely,  for  of  my  friends,  I  always 
Love  to  hear. 

OPHELIA. 

:Tis  of  him  called  Mordecai ; 
For  passing  through  the  palace  a  moment 
Since,  before  the  King's  gate  I  saw  him  clothed 
In  sackcloth,  and  with  ashes  covered.     Loud, 
And  bitter  was  the  cry  by  him  sent  forth, 
As  of  some  dire  calamity.     I  know 
Not  what  it  means,  but  surely  some  great  grief 
Must  be  upon  him. 

BASHMAH. 

Your  Majesty  will  give  me  leave  to  say 
I  also  saw  him,  and  others  there  were, 
Weeping  and  wailing,  and  like  him  were  clothed 
In  sackcloth. 


62  Queen  Esther. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Mordecai,  in  sackcloth  clothed  ! 
God  forbid,  that  on  him  any  evil 
Should  have  fallen  !     Hasten  at  once  Ophelia  ; 
Call  my  attendant  Hatach, — bid  him  come 
Instantly  to  the  Queen's  presence. 

(Exit  Ophelia.) 

What  can  have  happened  ?  this  doubt  and  painful 
Fear,  pierces  my  very  soul,  and  makes  me 
Sick  at  heart.      Oh  !  how  it  throbs !  and  the  blood 
Seems  rushing  to  my  brain. 

BASHMAH. 

Fear  not  my  Royal  Mistress ! — it  may  be 
For  some  friend  lost,  or  for  some  other  thing 
Which  little  concerns  your  majesty  ; 
But  here  comes  Hatach. 

(Hatach  entering  and  bowing.) 
HATACH. 

The  royal  summons  I  obey. 
Pray  tell  me  your  commands. 


Queen  Estlier.  63 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Mordecai  you  know  ?  he,  who  sitteth 
Almost  daily,  in  the  King's  gate.     Before 
The  gate  you' 11  find  him  now,  in  sackcloth  clothed, — 
Hasten  at  once,  and  to  him  say  you  have 
A  message  from  the  Queen ;  that  she  desires 
The  sackcloth  taken  from  him,  and  other 
Raiment  has  she  sent  in  place  thereof.     Treat 
Him  most  gently,  and  no  language  use,  harsh, 
Or  impertinent.     Yea,  more  !   say  to  him, 
"  The  Queen  desires  to  know  the  cause  thereof, 
And  why  he  weeps  and  wails,  and  putteth  on 
This  badge  of  mourning.''     Disclose  to  no  one 
But  myself  the  message  he  may  send  me. 
Now  hasten  quickly  !    and  I  will  count 
The  moments  of  your  absence. 

HATACH. 

Adieu  !  my  gracious  Queen, — 
Nothing  thou  desirest,  shall  be  left 
Undone. 

(ExitHatach.) 


64  Queen  Esther. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

You  can  retire  Ophelia, — 
You  also  Bashmah  to  the  ante-room, 
As  I  would  be  alone.     Show  Hatach  in, 
Soon  as  he  returns.      Have  no  delay. 

(Exeunt  Ophelia,  and  Bashmah.) 
QUEEN  ESTHER.     (To  herself.) 

Most  mysterious 

Are  the  ways  of  Providence  ! — Yesterday, 
It  was  all  sun-light,  o'er  my  path;  to-day, 
The  storm-clouds  gather,  and  darkness  covers 
Me.     Some  evil,  like  a  thunder-bolt,  has 
Fallen  on  my  dear,  kind  father.     What  can 
It  be? — Some  matter  serious,  I  fear;  not  for 
A  trivial  cause  would  he  act  thus.      Music 
Is  discord,  and  the  blazing  sun  is  dark 
When  heart  is  clouded.      None  but  a  daughter's 
Heart  can  know  a  daughter's  sorrows,  when  a  loved 
Father  suffers.      The  time  I  trust  will  come, 
When  I  can  have  him  with  me,  to  comfort. 
And  to'  strengthen  him.     For  this  I  daily 
Pray,  and  something  whispers  that  my  prayer  will 


Queen  Esther.  65 

Yet  be  answered.     God  grant  it  may  be  so. 

Soon  shall  I  know  all ;   my  faithful  Hatach 

Has  a  tender  heart,  and  my  father  knows 

Full  well  how  I  esteem  him.     I  must  dry 

These  tears- which  have  so  freely  flowed,  must  cleanse 

My  eyes,  so  red  from  weeping,  for  Ilatach 

Soon  will  come, — to  hear  the  worst,  must  be 

Prepared. 

OPHELIA.     (Entering.) 

My  Honored  Mistress, — Hatach  has  arrived. 
Shall  I  admit  him  ? 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Yes;  bid  him  come  in. 

HATACH.     {Entering  and  bowing-) 

My  Sovereign  Mistress  !    Mordecai  I  found 
In  sackcloth,  and  to  him  your  message  was 
Delivered.     He  told  me  all,  how  the  King 
By  Haman  influenced,  had  decreed  the  death 
Of  all  the  Jews  throughout  the  provinces, 
Sparing  neither  old  nor  young,  women  nor 
Little  children.     Tis  on  the  thirteenth  day, 


66  Queen  Esther. 

Of  the  twelfth  month,  that  this  evil  will  be 
Consummated.     This  writing,  he  bade  me 
Give  you, — 'tis  a  copy  of  the  decree, 
Made  by  the  King,  in  his  palace  Shushan. 

(Gives  her  the  decree.) 
QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Destroy  the  Jews, 

Sparing  neither  old  nor  young  ! — Horrible  ! 
What  can  it  mean  ?     It  is  the  King's  decree, 
And  bears  his  seal,  but  why  such  madness  ? 

HATACH. 

Haman  was  wroth  and  envious,  because 
Mordecai  bowed  not,  nor  did  him  homage 
As  do  others.     Against  the  Jews,  the  King's 
Ear  he  poisoned,  making  them  appear  an 
Envious,  bigoted,  disloyal  race, 
Who  the  laws  violated,  and  at  naught 
Set  the  King's  commands.     Strongly,  he  urged  their 
Death,  and  silver  offered — one  thousand  talents 
Into  the  King's  treasury  to  be  paid, 
When  'twas  accomplished. 


Queen  Esther.  67 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Most  infamous  Haman  ! 
Pride,  envy,  malice,  and  revengeful  hate 
Against  our  Jewish  race,  doth  fill  his  heart, 
Which,  in  the  blood  of  Innocents  he  would 
Satiate.      His  chosen  people,  God  has, 
And  will  preserve,  spite  of  the  ambitious 
Pride  of  him,  who  has  disgraced  the  laurels 
By  the  King  conferred.     He  is  a  traitor  ! 
And  deserves  a  traitor's  fate. — But  this  dire 
Calamity  ;  how  shall  it  be  avoided? 

HATACH. 

Mordecai  advised, 

That  you  at  once  should  go  in  unto  the  King, 
And  supplication  make  in  their  behalf. 
Your  prayers,  and  warm  entreaties,  might  yet 
Avert  the  doom,  now  hanging  o'er  them. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

To  do  this  seems  impossible. 
For  thirty  days  last  past,  into  the  presence 
Of  the  King,  have  I  not  been  called,  and  all 


68  Queen  Esther. 

The  people  know,  that  whosoever  shall 
Come  unto  the  King,  within  the  inner 
Court  uncalled,  either  man,  or  woman,  shall 
Be  put  to  death.     Such  is  the  law,  and  none 
Are  spared,  excepting  such,  to  whom  the  King 
Extends  the  golden  sceptre. 

HATACH.    - 

Such  is  the  law 

Of  Media  and  Persia.     To  Mordecai 
I  stated  it,  who  fully  understands 
Its  meaning,  and  its  penalties.     But  yet 
He  sent  this  message.     "  Go  tell  the  Queen  "  said 
He,  "that  if  this  evil  comes  upon  the  Jews, 
She  must  not  think  in  the  King's  palace 
To  escape.     If  she  holds  her  peace,  safety 
And  deliverance  to  the  Jews,  surely 
Shall  from  another  quarter  come,  but  she, 
And  all  her  father's  house,  shall  be  destroyed." 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Did  he  say  this?  then  will  I  go,  let  come 
What  may.     Hasten  now,  and  to  Mordecai 


Queen  Esther.  69 

Bear  this  message.     "  Go  gather  all  the  Jews 
In  Shushan  now  residing,  and  with  them 
Fast  ye  for  me,  and  for  three  days,  neither 
Eat  nor  drink. — I,  with  my  maidens,  likewise 
Will  fast,  and  then  contrary  to  the  law 
Will  I  go  in  unto  the  King  ;  and  if 
I  perish, — I  perish." 

HATACH. 

Most  faithfully, 
Thy  message  shall  be  delivered. 

(Exit  Hatach.) 
QUEEN  ESTHER.     (To  herself .) 

I  wake,  as  from  some  frightful  dream  ! 
Vashti,  for  disobedience  was  dethroned, 
And  for  the  same,  I  may  be  executed. 
O  shame  !     O  infamy!  this  cursed  envenom'd 
Malice,  this  proud  insolence  of  Hainan, 
Doth  scald  my  eyes  with  tears,  and  in  my  soul, 
Opens  new  veins  of  torture. — But  courage 
Take  !  There  is  a  power  unseen,  that  rules 
The  destinies  of  nations,  that  will  plunge 
From  gulf  to  gulf, — from  shame  to  deeper  shame, 


70  Queen  Esther. 

This  incarnate  fiend,  who  would  our  Jewish 
Race  destroy.      'Tis  the  same  power  that  closed 
The  lion's  mouth,  and  kept  from  harm  our  prophet 
Daniel,  when  in  their  frightful  den,  headlong 
He  was  thrown. — Prayer,  I  will  offer. 

(She  kneels  and  prays.) 

"  O  Thou  !  great  King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords  ! 
Omnipotent  and  Omnipresent  !    Thou 
Dost  ever  hear  the  feeblest  whisperings 
Of  those,  who  put  their  trust  in  Thee.     Before 
Thee  bows  Thine  hand  maid,  who,  into  Thine  heart 
Of  love,  would  pour  her  griefs  and  sorrows.      Her 
Feeble  mind,  strengthen  and  support,  and  with 
A  will,  fixed  and  determined,  let  her  Thy 
Purposes  perform.     When  before  the  King 
Uncalled  she  goes,  into  her  mouth  put  fit 
And  proper  words,  that  she  may  plainly,  boldly 
Speak  as  doth  become  his  Queen.     Let  her  not 
Utterance  give  to  thoughts  which  may  displease, 
Or  to  him,  seem  presumptuous,  or  improper. 
Soften    the  King's  heart,  and  toward  Thine  hand 
maid, 


Queen  Esther.  71 

Make  it  tender,  that  in  his  sight,  she  may 
Find  favor.     Above  all  things,  O  Thou,  great 
Jehovah  !  preserve  thy  chosen  people, 
And  to  the  King,  disclose  the  vile  designs 
Of  proud  Hainan's  heart,  and  the  great  evil 
Impending  o'er  our  race.     In  Thee,  we  trust, 
And  to  Thy  care,  commit  ourselves. — Amen." 


SCENE  THIRD. — INNER  COURT  OF  KING'S  PALACE. 

The  King  upon  his  throne,  and  Esther  waiting  opposite  him  in  the  court.  She 
is  seen  bv  the  King,  who  extends  to  her  his  golden  sceptre,  t/nts  inviting 
her  to  approach  him — She  obeys  and  advances. 

QUEEN  ESTHER.     (To  herself .) 

Thank  Heaven  ! — 

With  pleased,  approving  smile,  the  King  doth  look 
Upon  me,  and  no\v  his  golden  sceptre 
He  extends,  thus  bidding  me  in  safety 
To  approach.     I  will  at  once  advance. 

(She  approaches  the  King,  and  touches  the  sceptre.) 
KING. 

As  the  dove  flies  to  her  nest, 
So  comes  my  Queenly  Esther  to  her  liege 


72  Queen  Esther, 

Lord,  who,  a  most  hearty  welcome  gives  her. 
Though  absent,  most  frequently  have  I  thought 
Of  thee,  and  but  a  moment  since,  when  free 
From  the  engrossing  cares  which  try  and  vex 
The  soul,  my  restless  mind  went  wandering  back 
To  that  bright-eyed^Goddess,  who  has  ever 
Warmed,   and   cheered    my  heart,  even,  when  with 

clouds, 

And  darkness  'twas  o'ershadowed.     To  what  kind 
Fortune  do  I  owe  this  visit? — Esther 
Could  not  think  I  had  forgotten,  or  had 
Deserted  her,  for  oftimes  have  I  said, 
"  The  King  must  not  encroach  too  often  on 
Her  privacy." 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Most  fully  does  the  Queen  appreciate, 
The  kind  regards,  and  noble  sentiments 
Of  the  King.     Accept,  most  mighty  Sovereign  ! 
Your  Esther's  thanks,  for  the  tender  treatment, 
The  warm  love,  you  have  ever  manifested,— 
For  the  many  blessings  strewn  so  thickly 
Along  her  pathway,  making  her  life- days, 


Queen  Esther.  73 

So  joyous,  and  so  happy.     To  preserve 
Thy  throne,  thy  life,  thy  happiness,  freely 
Would  I  sacrifice  my  own. 

KING. 

What !  is  there  some  secret 
Plot  against  my  Kingdom,  or  my  life  ?     Once, 
I  remember,  thou  didst  such  plot  reveal, 
When  Bigthan  with  Teresh  foully  conspired 
To  seize,  and  strangle  ;   then,  to  the  vaults  consign 
Me.     Caught  in  the  act  by  timely  warning, 
They  from  the  gibbet  swung. — Thou,  Esther  didst 
Save  my  life. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Another  saved  it ! — even  Mordecai, 
The  Jew.     But  enough  of  this  ;  no  foul  plot 
Against  the  King  exists,  for  he  is  blessed 
Beyond  the  reach  of  fear.     The  Queen  has  come, 
Simply  to  crave  a  favor  from  the  King. 

KING. 

What  is  thy  wish  Queen  Esther? 
What  wilt  thou  have?  speak;   for  it  shall  be  given, 
Even  to  the  half  of  my  Kingdom. 


74  Queen  Esther. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

If  in  thy  sight,  O  King! 
Favor  I  have  found, — if  it  shall  please  thee, 
To  listen  to  my  prayer,  and  my  request 
Perform,  then  come  to-morrow,  and  with  you 
Bring  Hainan  to  the  banquet,  which  I  shall 
Have  prepared,  and  then,  and  there,  all  the  King 
Desires  will  I  do,  and  to  thee,  present 
My  humble  petition. 

KING. 

'Twill  give  us  both  great  pleasure, 
To  meet  you  at  the  banquet. — Most  gladly 
I  accept,  and  will  be  there  with  Haman. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

The  King  is  very  kind  ; — 
With  a  light  heart  I  leave  his  presence,  with 
Certainty  of  meeting  him  to-morrow. 
Adieu,  most  gracious  Sovereign  ! — Heaven  bless  you  ! 

KING. 

Heaven  bless  my  lovely  Queen, 
And  may  kind  Angels  guard,  protect  her. — 
Adieu ! 

(Exit  Esther.) 


Queen  Esther.  75 

(To  himself.) 

How  charmingly  she  looked  ! — what  a  sweet  smile 
Lit  up  her  features  when  gazing  on  me, 
As  if  to  read  my  very  soul.     Innocent, 
And  thoughtful  she  has  ever  been  ;  faultless, 
And  free  from  guile.     What  is  it  she  desires  ? 
Something  of  moment,  else  within  this  court 
She  would  not  have  appeared.     It  matters  not  :-— 
Nothing  I  could  refuse  her.     A  message 
I  will  send  at  once  to  Haman,  bidding 
Him  to  meet  me  at  the  banquet,  for  she 
Desires  his  presence.     Perhaps  for  him, 
She'll  ask  some  higher  honor. 


SCENE  FOURTH. — HAMAN'S  RESIDENCE. 

Hainan,  Zeresh  his  Wife  and  Friends. 

HAMAN. 

With  fortune,  and  with  honor, 
Have  I  been  crowned.     Next  to  the  King  I  stand, 
And  with  him  share  all  regal  honors.     From 

This  high  pinnacle  of  fame,  on  Princes, 
F 


76  Queen  Esther. 

And  on  petty  Kings,  can  I  look  down,  and  bid 
Them  come,  and  go,  like  abject  slaves.     The  King 
Himself,  my  will  performs  ;  he  daily  comes, 
Consults  me,  takes  my  advice,  and  ever 
Does  as  I  propose.     In  vain  do  malice, 
Envy,  hate,  attempt  to  tear  the  laurels 
From  Hainan's  brow  ; — above  their  blasting 
Reach,  they  will  securely  thrive  and  flourish. 
The  King  has  ever  been  my  warmest  friend, 
And  now  the  Queen  seeks  my  companionship. 
From  her  a  message  I  received,  asking 
My  presence  at  her  banquet.     To-morrow 
The  King,  and  I  alone  attend. — Perhaps 
Some  favor  she  would  grant,  or  love  itself 
May  burn  within  her  bosom, — if  so, 
I  will  possess  it. 

One  thought  however, 

Like  a  dagger  pierces  my  heart,  and  drives 
Me  to  despair.     Of  what  avail  are  wealth, 
And  honors,  so  long  as  Mordecai  the  Jew 
Sitteth  in  the  King's  gate  ? — with  scorn,  and  cold 
Contempt,  doth  frown  upon  me  as  I  pass, 
And  will  not  bow,  or  do  me  reverence. 


Queen  Esther.  77 

But  to-day,  this  base,  ungrateful,  haughty 
Wretch,  lost  to  all  sense  of  shame  and  common 
Decency,  did  spit  his  vemon  at  me 
As  I  passed  ; — like  a  huge  reptile,  did  he 
Glare  upon  me.     He  would  not  move,  or  stir, 
But  on  me  showered  his  insults,  silent,  but 
Most  contemptible,  and  by  all  noticed. 
ZERESH. 

This  insolent,  audacious  man, 
Perverse  and  obstinate,  whose  pride  is  past 
Endurance,  should  be  taught,  what  others  now 
Have  learned — good  manners  to  their  superiors. 
Why  not  seize  the  wretch,  and  flay  him  publicly, 
'Till  on  bended  knees,  he  sues  for  mercy  ? 

HAMAN. 

Half  inclined  was  I  to  do  it, 

But  something  stayed  me — street  brawls  I  like  not, 
But  to  myself  I  swore  revenge. — My  time 
Will  come. 

A  FRIEND. 

The  time  ha;  conic  ! 
Delays  are  dangerous;  this  vile  Jewish 


78  Queen  Esther. 

Dog,  should  at  once  be  taught  to  know  his  master, 
For  give  him  but  a  chance,  and  he  will  add 
New  insults  to  his  hate. 

SECOND  FRIEND. 

I  would  advise 

That  he  be  strangled  ;  hung!     Let  it  be  done 
Publicly, — 'twill  have  on  others,  a  good 
Effect. 

ZERESH. 

The  thought  is  timely  ;  in  a  public  spot 
Let  gallows  be  erected :  let  it  be 
In  height  some  fifty  cubits,  and  thereon 
Let  Mordecai  be  hung.     Speak  to  the  King 
Concerning  it,  and  then  unto  the  banquet, 
Thou  shalt  go  most  merrily. 

HAMAN. 

Great  satisfaction  would  it  give, 
And  well  does  he  deserve  it.     Orders  will 
I  give,  and  this  very  day,  the  gallows 
Fifty  cubits  high,  shall  be  erected, —  x 
Not  in  a  public  place,  but  in  the  court 


Queen  Esther.  79 

Of  mine  own  house,  and  as  the  King  liveth, 
Mordecai  shall  hang  thereon.     To-morrow, 
Early  in  the  day,  the  Sovereign  I  will 
See,  and  his  consent  obtain  ;   then,  without 
Delay  shall  he  be  executed. 

ZERESH. 

My  lord  most  wisely  speaks  ; 
Let  him  proceed — the  work  complete. 

FRIEND. 

Of  the  plan  proposed, 

Most  fully  we  approve.     This  gross  insult 
To  our  lord,  in  blood  must  be  wiped  out. 

HAMAN. 

More  freely  can  I  breathe,  when  he  is  dead. 

I  know  not  how  it  is,  but  his  destiny 

Seems  linked  with  mine,  and  while  living,  I  fear 

And  hate  him  -when  dead,  my  vengence  will  be 

Satisfied,  and  my  joy  and  peace  restored. 

But  haste  me! — let  us  lose  no  time,  for  we 

Must  be  prepared. 

(Exeunt.) 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  FIRST — PALACE  SHUSHAN.  • 

Private  apartment  of  the  King. 
KING.        (To  himself .} 

Something  is  wrong! — 

A  sleepless  night  I've  passed,  tossing  upon 
My  bed  like  a  frightened  infant.     What  means 
This  mystery, — this  most  strange  behavior 
Of  my  senses,  this  mist  that  hangs  about 
My  soul?     What  means  this  power  invisible; 
This  mysterious  influence  that  thrills 
My  heart,  and  makes  me  shudder?  Oh  !  how  I've 
Tossed  and  moaned  in  troubled  sleep  like  a  sick 
Child  !  how  slowly  the  hours  have  crept  along; 
The  night  has  seemed  an  age  of  misery. 
I  feel,  I  must  confess  a  sense  of  shame, 
And  blush  at  my  own  weakness,  so  unlike 
My  usual  nature.     Restless,  timorous, 
Nervous,  with  no  apparent  cause,  I  saw 


Queen  Esther.  81 

Those  airy  shadows,  spectral  visions,  which 
"  Like  bubbles,  big  with  emptiness  alone, 
Burst  and  vanished  into  nothingness."     Like 
Melting  smoke  that  mingles  with  the  sky,  before 
Me  they  flitted  for  a  moment, — then  quickly 
Disappeared.     One  short  dream  I  had,  and  on 
My  mind  it  seems  distinctly  stamped.     Methought 
A  maiden  kneeled  before  me  ;  beautiful 
She  was,  her  shoulders  covered  o'er  with  her 
Disheveled  tresses,  and  her  large,  lustrous 
Eyes  suffused  with  tears.     In  piteous  tones 
She  pleaded  for  her  father's  life, — a  grey- 
Haired  man,  who  kneeled  beside  her — told  of  his 
Wrongs  and  sufferings,  and  how  by  malice 
And  revenge,  to  death  he  had  been  condemned. 
Most  earnestly  she  pleaded— urged  that  he, 
In  time  gone  by,  had  saved  my  life  and  crown, 
When  against  them  traitors  had  conspired. 

She  looked  like  Esther, 
So  fair  and  beautiful — her  large,  black  eyes 
Expressing  her  very  thoughts.     I  was  about 
To  speak,  and  ask  them  who  they  were,  but  then 
Awoke,  and  all  had  vanished.     Again, 


82  Queen  Esther. 

I  dropped  asleep,  and  frightful  visions  saw 
Of  scaffolds,  with  all  their  gloomy  trappings, 
And  above  them  all,  went  towering  one  huge 
Gallows,  beneath  which,  stood  the  grey-haired  man, 
With  rope  about  his  neck,  for  execution. 
To  save  him,  I  started  up  !  but  awoke 
To  find  myself  alone,  and  the  cold  drops 
Of  perspiration,  covering  my  forehead. 

'Tis  morning  now, 

And  the  bright  sun  has  risen,  dispelling 
Shadows  and  night-mists  from  the  earth,  but  not 
The  dream-clouds  from  my  mind.     May  be 
Some  great  injustice  has  been  done.     Laid  up 
In  archives,  are  records  of  chronicles 
Made  by  my  scribes;  they  shall  be  brought  before 
Me,  and  thoroughly  examined.     Perhaps 
They  will  reveal  the  cause  of  my  distress. 
Ho !  my  attendants. 

(Enter  Mehumen  the  chamberlain,  bowing.} 
KING. 

Go,  call  my  scribe,  and  with  him  bring 
The  book  of  Records. — Make  no  delay. 


Queen  Esther.  83 

MEHUMEN. 

It  shall  be  done,  O  King! 
As  thou  commandest. 

(Exit  Mehumen. ) 
KING.       (To  himself.) 

Ever,  my  thoughts  revert  to  Esther ; 
'Tis  to-day  we  banquet  with  her — my  heart 
Should  not  be  clouded,  nor  my  mind  perplexed. 
If  in  the  Records,  no  strange  thing  is  found, 
Then,  at  once  I'll  drive  these  fearful  night-thoughts 
From  my  mind — with  smiling  face  and  joyous 
Heart,  her  banquet  will  attend — to  her  soul, 
I  will  not  bring  disquietude. 

(Enter  Mehumen  and  scribe  with  book  of  Records.) 
KING.      (To the  scribe.) 

Look  o'er  the  Records,  and  see 
If  can  be  found,  a  person,  who  has  done 
Great  service  to  the  King,  respecting  whom, 
Some  special  mention,  recently  has  been 
Made. 


84  Queen  Esther. 

SCRIBE.         (Examining  the  Records. ) 

We  find  here  written,  most  gracious  Sovereign  ! 
As  follows  :     "  In  the  sixth  year,  of  the  reign 
Of  Ahasuerus,  whose  proud  Empire 
Extendeth  from  India  even  unto 
Ethiopia,  two  chamberlains,  servants 
Of  the  King,  by  name  Bigthan  and  Teresh, 
Wilfully  and  maliciously  conspired 
Against  the  Crown,  Kingdom,  and  the  King's  life, 
And  sought  secretly,  to  seize  and  strangle 
Our  mighty  Sovereign,  and  to  the  lowest 
Vault  consign  him.     Let  it  be  remembered, 
That  to  one  Mordecai,  the  Jew,  the  thing 
Became  known,  who,  to  the  Queen  the  vile  plot 
Disclosed,  and  she,  to  the  King  revealed  it. 
By  a  strategem  proposed  by  Mordecai, 
These  villains  in  the  very  act  were  seized, 
Condemned,  and  on  the  gibbet  executed. 
To  Mordecai,  the  Jew,  belongeth  honor." 

KING. 

For  these  most  loyal  acts, 
What  honor,  or  what  dignity  has  been 
Conferred  on  Mordecai  ? 


Queen  Esther.  85 


MEHUMEN 


None  whatever! — He  still  is  sitting 
In  the  King's  Gate. 


SCRIBE. 


No  mention  here  is  made 
Of  anything,  by  which  he  was  rewarded. 


KING. 


Go  at  once  Mehumen  ; — see  whom  you  find 
Standing  in  the  outward  court. 


MEHUMEN. 


Hainan  alone  is  there,  waiting 


For  an  audience  with  the  King. 

KING. 

Bid  him  come  in. 

(Exit  Mehumen. ) 

(Enter  Haman  who  had  come  to  speak  unto  the  King  to  hang  Mordecai  on 
the  gallows  prepared.) 

KING.         (To  Haman.) 

There  is  one,  who  unto  us  great  service 
Hath  performed,  and  on  him,  we  would  bestow 


86  Queen  Esther. 

Most  royal  favors.     What  shall  now  be  done 
To  him,  whom  the  King  delighteth  to  honor? 

HAMAN.     (  Thinking  the  King  referred  to  himself.} 

I  would  not  most  mighty  Sovereign ! 
Appear  presumptuous  ;  but  the  man  on  whom 
Thou  wouldst  bestow  Imperial  honors, 
And  in  whose  dignities  thou  dost  delight 
Thyself,  should  be  clothed,  as  might  well  become 
The  King's  favorite.     Let  be  brought  royal 
Apparel,  thou  hast  worn  ;  the  Niscan  horse 
Brought  from  Armenia, — the  favorite  steed, 
Which  the  King  rideth, — and  the  Crown  Royal. 
Into  the  hands  of  noble  Princes,  let 
Them  be  delivered,  to  array  the  man 
Thus  honored  by  the  King,  and  through  the  streets 
Of  the  city,  let  him  be  borne  on  horseback, 
With  Princes  in  attendance,  who  before 
Him  shall  proclaim — "  thus,  shall  be  done  to  him, 
Whom  the  King  delighteth  to  honor." 

KING. 

Well  spoken  Haman  ! — make  thee  haste  ; 
Take  the  apparel,  crown,  and  horse,  as  thou 


Qtieen  Esther.  87 

Hast  said,  so  do  to  Mordecai,  the  Jew, 

Who,  at  the  King's  gate,  you  will  find  sitting ; — 

Of  all  thou  hast  spoken,  let  nothing  fail; 

The  King  would  honor  him  above  all  others. 

In  person,  do  thou  attend  him,  and  make 

The  proclamation. 

HAMAN. 

Thy  Sovereign  will  must  be  obeyed, — 
I  go,  and  do  thy  bidding. 

(Exit  Ha  man.) 


SCENE  SECOND— QUEEN  ESTHER'S  PRIVATE  APARTMENTS. 

The  King — Esther  the  Queen,  and  Haman  at  the  banquet. 

KING. 

'Tis  pleasant  thus  to  throw  off  cares, — 
Vexatious  cares,  the  wormwood  and  the  gall, 
Which  so  embitter  life.     Like  opiates 
In  a  fever,  these  social  gatherings 
Quiet  the  nerves,  and  cool  the  heated 
Brain,  inducing  rest,  and  quietude 
Of  mind. 


88  Queen  Esther, 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Indeed  !  great  joy  it  gives, 
To  know,  that  I  have  added  to  the  King's 
Happiness.     Ever  would  I  fill  his  heart 
With  pleasant,  happy  thoughts,  as  sky  is  filled 
With  sunbeams,  and  earth  with  shining  rivulets. 

KING. 

But  Esther,  of  thine  own  happiness, 
Have  you  no  thought  ? 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Of  myself,  I  have  but  little  thought 
Except  to  serve  my  God,  and  please  my  King. 
Let  them  but  smile  upon  me,  I  am  as 
Happy  as  the  joyous  bird,  which  warbles 
Its  notes  of  praise,  when  the  bright  sun  sends  forth 
Its  laughing  beams,  at  early  dawn. 

KING, 

Of  thy  petition 

I  would  know,  and  thy  request.      Didst  thou  not 
Promise,  at  the  banquet  to  present  them  ? 


Queen  Esther.  89 

I  am  now,  as  then,  prepared  to  grant  them, 
Even  to  the  half  of  my  Kingdom. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

If  in  thy  sight,  O  King  ! 
Thine  Esther  hath  favor  found  ;  if  it  shall 
Please  thee,  to  grant  her  prayer,  know  thou,  O  King! 
I  am  a  Jeivess  ! — one  of  the  daughters 
Of  that  noble,  but  persecuted  race, 
Who  though  despised,  and  trodden  under  foot, 
Are  still  most  loyal  subjects.     We  are  sold  ! — 
Myself,  and  people — not  as  bond-women, 
And  bond-men,  for  then  in  silence  would  have 
Suffered,  and  no  complaint  have  made,  but  we 
Are  doomed  to  death — to  be  destroyed  and  slain, 
Guiltless  and  crimeless.     Spare  my  life,  and  lives 
Of  all  my  people! — this,  O  King!  is  my 
Petition. 

KING. 

Thy  words  are  riddles  ! 

What  secret  plot  would  you  unravel?     Lives 
There  a  wretch  so  base,  as  would  desire 

Thy  death,  or  even  dream  of  thy  destruction  ? 


90  Queen  Esther. 

Who,  and  where  is  he,  who  in  his  inmost 
Heart,  hath  cherished  such  a  thought  ? 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Now  seated  with  us  at  the  banquet, 
Is  the  vile  plotter  of  this  scheme  for  our 
Destruction.     Look  thou,  O  King  !  on  Hainan, 
Sitting  like  senseless  marble, — See  his  face 
O'erspread  with  ashy  paleness  ;  the  painful 
Terror  in  his  eye  ;  his  tongue  suspended ; 
His  trembling  form,  and  guilt  so  strongly  stamped 
On  every  feature  of  his  countenance. 
He  is  the  man  ! — the  enemy,  who  plots 
This  evil  'gainst  the  Queen,  and  all  her  race. 

KING. 

'Tis  true  !  the  perjured  slave  !  the  traitorous 
Villain,  in  every  form  and  manner  shows 
His  guilt.     Excuse  me  for  a  moment:  into 
The  garden  I  must  retire,  my  heated 
Brain  to  cool,  and  thoughts  collect.     He  shall  have 
His  just  deserts. 

(Exit  King.) 


Queen  Esther.  91 

HAMAN. 

(Rising  up,  and  falling  on  his  knees  before  the  Queen,  who  was 
seated  on  a  couch.) 

Here  at  thy  feet,  pardon  I  crave 
Most  Honored  Mistress! — O  spurn  me  not! 
Have  pity  on  a  wretch,  who  now  with  shame, 
Doth  make  confession  of  his  sins,  and  begs 
Thy  kind  forgiveness.      Oh  !  let  these  scalding 
Tears  so  freely  flowing,  wash  out  my  crimes, 
And  evil  purposes,  and  ever  will 
I  be,  your  abject  slave. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Touch  me  not!  thou  prince  of  villians! — 
By  thy  vile  breath,  I  would  not  be  foully 
Contaminated. 

HAMANT. 

Oh  !  spare  my  life  !  speak  to  the  King, 
For  there  was  evil  in  his  eye,  and  death 
Will  be  my  doom,  unless  thou  dost  secure 
My  pardon.     Do  but  this,  and  at  thy  feet, 
Worm-like  I'll  ever  crawl. — Make  me  thy  slave. 

f  /If  /tills  upon  the  couch  by  her  side  just  as  the  King  en  ten.) 
G 


92  Queen  Esther. 

KING. 

What  do  I  see  ! — Before  me, 
In  the  palace,  would  he  force  the  Queen? — 
Ho  !  my  attendants. 

(Enter  Harbonah  and  other  chamberlains.) 

Let  him  be  covered,  for»to  death  he  is 
Condemned. 

(  They  cover  Hamaris  face. ) 
HARBONAH. 

Most  mighty  Sovereign  !     In  Hainan's  house 
There  stands  a  gallows,  in  height  some  fifty 
Cubits.     'Twas  made  by  Haman,  and  thereon 
He  would  have  hung  Mordecai,  had  the  King 
Consented.     'Tis  all  prepared,  with  scaffold, 
And  with  trappings,  and  at  a  moment's  notice 
Can  be  used. 

KING. 

Then  seize  the  villain  !  bear  him  hence,  and  like 
A  dog  hang  him  thereon!     Upon  his  head 
Let  fall,  the  mischief  by  him  conceived. 


Queen  Esther.  93 


HARBONAH. 


It  shall  be  done,  O  King ! — 
Quickly,  as  thou  commandest. 

( They  seize  Ha  man  and  bear  him  out  to  execution.) 


SCENE  THIRD — THE  QUEEN'S  APARTMENT  IN  THE  PALACE. 
Queen  Esther  and  Mordecai. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

Welcome!  thrice  welcome  to  my  heart  and  home, 
My  dear,  good  father!     Let  me  embrace  thee, 
Kiss  thee,  as  I  was  wont  to  do,  when  coming 
From  your  daily  toil,  I  ran  to  meet  you 
With  a  kiss  of  love — in  your  loving 
Arms  so  tenderly  was  held,  while  calling 
Me  your  "  darling  little  pet"     How  all  has 
Changed,  since  in  that  humble,  quiet  home,  we 
Lived  together!  all  but  our  hearts — they  will 
Always  burn  with  love  and  pure  affection, 
Will  they  not  ? 


94  Queen  Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

As  a  little  maid,  thou  wast  my  pride 
And  joy  ;  and  now  the  crown  of  womanhood, 
Which  shines  untarnished.     With  fond  affection 
Thy  welcome  I  return,  and  the  parental 
Kiss,  most  willingly  I  give  my  Esther. 
Yes  !  we  have  somewhat  changed  ; — you,  from  the 

young, 

Romping  girl,  who  played  among  the  flowers, 
And  chased  the  butterflies,  to  the  majestic 
Queen,  and  I,  the  despised  and  persecuted 
Jew,  have  now  become  the  King's  favorite, 
Wearing  the  royal  robes,  and  classed 
Among  his  Nobles.     Let  me  but  go  forth, 
On  every  side  fawning,  bowing,  cringing, 
Are  the  fops  and  sycophants  of  court,  who,  like 
Dastard  Knaves,  would  honor  me  as  Master. 
I  like  them  not,  but  scorn,  despise  them  now, 
As  they  once  did  me. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

When  last  you  saw  the  King, 
What  did  he  sav? 


Queen  Esther.  95 

MORDECAI. 

I  saw  him  but  a  moment  since  ; 
Said  he, — "go  in,  and  see  the  Queen,  your  daughter." 

I  was  about  to  speak,  but  he  continued— 

"  She  has  told  me  all, — go  in,  and  I  will 

Meet  you  there."     His  words  were  most  ambiguous, 

But  kindly  spoken.     But  tell  me  Esther, 

Have  you  made  known  our  near  relationship, 

Or  elsewhere  has  he  learned  it  ? 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

I  have  told  him  all  !— 

To  him,  have  I  revealed  the  inmost  secrets 
Of  my  heart.      He  knows  your  love  and  kindness 
To  the  poor  orphan  child,  and  the  strong  cords 
Of  love,  that  bind  our  hearts  together.     He 
Even  knows  the  dream  you  bid  me  to  forget, 
But  now,  as  fresh  within  my  mind,  as  if 
But  yesterday  I  dreamed  it. 

MORDECAI. 

I  do  remember  it  ! — 'Twas  a  strange  dream  ; 
Most  marvelous  it  should  have  come  to  pass 
Just  as  it  has.  Esther,  thou  hast  blest  our 


g6  Queen  Esther. 

Race,  or  rather  thou  hast  been  God's  chosen 
Instrument  to  do  it.     To  Jehovah, 
Our  thanks  are  ever  due  ;  to  His  Great  Name, 
Be  all  the  praise  and  glory. — But  the  King 
Cometh ! 

( The  King  enters. ) 
QUEEN   ESTHER. 

Welcome,  our  gracious  Sovereign  !  — 
For  thy  royal  presence,  accept  our  thanks, 
And  grateful  homage.     Thou  hast  crowned  our  lives 
With  gladness,  and  from  our  hearts  hast  driven 
Sorrow.     Most  precious  in  our  sight,  is  the  King's 
Life  and  happiness. 

KING. 

And  in  our  lovely  Queen,  is  the  King's  life 
Bound  up.     Thy  happiness  is  mine,  and  all 
That  is  mine,  is  thine.     But  now  to  business. 
Haman,  thine  enemy  is  dead — his  sons 
Are  also  dead,  and  to  thee,  Queen  Esther 
Do  I  give  his  house,  and  vast  possessions. 
They  are  thine  ;  use  them  as  thou  deemest  best. 


Queen  Esther.  97 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

* 

Language  cannot  express,  O  King  ! 
The  feelings  of  my  heart,  for  these  continued 
Favors.     The  gift  is  precious — most  precious, 
Since  it  comes  from  thee. 

KING. 

Some  fit,  and  proper  person 
You  should  select,  who,  in  your  name  and  place, 
Will  have  the  charge  and  management  of  this 
House,  and  vast  estate. — To  my  mind,  no  one 
So  fit  and  suitable  as  your  father, 
Mordecai. 

QUEEN  ESTHER. 

You  do  surprise  me,  most  agreeably ! 
Thanks,  O  King!  for  this  thy  wise  selection. 
With  thy  kind  permission,  I  do  hereby 
Appoint  my  father,  Mordecai,  to  rule 
This  house  of  Haman,  and  over  his  lands 
And  large  possessions  place  him.     May  he  be 
Wise,  discreet,  and  ever  live  the  faithful 
Servant  of  the  king. 


98  Queen  Esther. 

MORDECAI. 

Accept  most  noble  Sovereign,  and  you  my 
Queen,  the  homage  of  your  servant.     The  trusts 
To  me  confided,  ever  will  I  hold 
Most  sacred,  and  perform  them  to  the  best 
Of  my  ability. 

KING. 

To  the  place  of  Haman,  we  have  advanced 

Thee,  Mordecai.     Next  to  the  King,  thou  standest 

In  authority.      We  would  have  thee  clothed 

In  royal  robes  of  blue  and  white,  with  crown 

Of  gold,  and  with  garments  of  fine  linen 

And  purple,  that  the  city  of  Shushan 

May  rejoice  and  be  glad.      Now  take  this  ring 

With  royal  seal — token  of  thy  power, 

And  with  it  seal  the  writings  you  may  send 

In  the  King's  name  to  all  the  Jews,  scattered 

Throughout  the  provinces,  even  from  India 

Unto  Ethiopia,  and  to  the  rulers 

Thereof,  commanding  to  gather  themselves 

Together,  armed  and  prepared  to  destroy 

And  slay,  all  who  may  assault  them.     All  legal 

Rights,  thy  Jewish  people,  hereafter  must 


Queen  Estlier.  99 

And  shall  enjoy,  for  no  man  can  reverse 
These  writings,  in  the  King's  name  prepared, 
And  with  this  ring  sealed.      Now  go!  let  the  scribes 
At  once  prepare  writings  you  may  dictate, 
And  with  all  speed,  let  them  be  sent  by  posts 
On  horseback,  into  the  one  hundred,  twenty- 
Seven  provinces  of  our  Kingdom. 

MORDECAI. 

Thy  Sovereign  will,  O  King !  shall  be  performed, 
And  thy  decrees,  this  very  day  shall  be 
Sent  forth  throughout  the  Realm.     Again  accept 
My  thanks  and  homage. 

(Exit  Modecai  bowing.) 
QUEEN  ESTHER.    (To  the  King.) 

Oh  !  what  a  royal  heart 

Thou  doth  possess      Heaven  must  have  inspired 
These  manly  thoughts,  induced  thee  to  perform 
These  noble  acts,  which,  in  the  Chronicles 
Of  Ages  shall  be  recorded.     Millions 
Yet  unborn,  shall  to  their  children  recount 
The  virtues  of  the  good  King  Ahasuerus.— 


ioo  Queen  Esther. 

Yes  !  posterity  shall  praise  thee,  and  ages 
Yet  to  come,  record  thy  goodness. 

KING. 

Heaven  has  greatly  blessed, 
By  giving  me  an  angel  for  a  Queen, 
And  she  has  taught  me  goodness,  if  within 
It  can  be  found.     Like  stars  which  shine  forever. 
So  shine  thy  virtues  in  the  firmament 
Of  my  being,  and  if  in  future  ages 
My  name  is  mentioned,  it  will  only  be 
As  linked  with  thine,  my  ESTHER. 


LOVE   AND    TRUST. 


From  "  DemoreBt's  Weekly,"  by  permit 


LESSONS  OF  LIFE 

A  COLLOQUIAL  POEM. 


LESSONS  OF  LIFE. 


SCENE  I. 

SPIRIT    FROM   ANOTHER   PLANET. 
ABOVE  THE   EARTH.— MORNING. 

SPIRIT. 

How  beautiful  the  earth  !  the  rising  Sun 

Like  a  huge  fire-ball,  reddens  the  eastern 

Sky,  tinging  the  horizon  as  if  with 

Burnished  gold.     Onward,  he  moves  in  glory  ! 

Scattering  from  vale  to  mountain  top,  his 

Dazzling  beams,  to  active  duty  calling 

Old  and  young — on  all  bestowing  favors. 

Blest  Almoner  of  the  All  Wise  !  All  Good  ! 

All  Powerful !  new  life  thou  dost  impart 

To  all  who  feel  thy  presence  ;  the  barren 

Ruck  now  smiles,  while  for  joy  the  hill-sides  laugh, 

Because  thou  deignest  to  stoop,  and  kiss  them. 


106  Lessons  of  Life. 

The  Air — conductor  of  all  sounds — seems  filled 
With  music  !     In  the  great  song  of  praise,  which 
Ever  rises  to  the  Creative  Throne, 
All  voices  seem  to  join,  both  animate 
And  inanimate.     The  tiny  bird,  decked 
In  rainbow  colors,  flashing  from  flower 
To  flower,  from  rose-buds  sipping  nectar, 
Hums  its  little  song;  the  lark  rising  from 
Clover-fields,  pours  forth  a  flood  of  joyous 
Music — still  higher  rising,  back  he  sends 
A  note  of  wild,  and  fitful  melody. 
The  bubbling  fountain,  babbling  brook,  vie  with 
The  running  stream,  —with  surging  ocean,  which 
Hurls  its  crested  wave  high  o'er  the  rocky 
Ledges,  and  whose  deep  bass  notes  like  distant 
Thunder,  seems  as  the  voice  of  God. 

How  young  and  fresh 

Appears  this  Temple,  built  for  man  !     God  laid 
The  corner  stone,  its  pillars  reared,  its  walls 
He  frescoed,  and  its  great  dome  He  spangled 
O'er  with  countless  stars. 

Mapped  out  before  me,  lie 
Snow-crowned  mountains,  ribboned  o'er  with  shining 


Lessons  of  Life.  107 

Rivulets,  leaping  along  their  rocky 

Sides,  as  lightning  leaps  from  a  gigantic 

Cloud  ;  rich  vales  and  fertile  lands,  with  granite 

Walls  enclosed  ;  meadows,  painted  in  crimson, 

Green  and  gold  ;  luxuriant  fields,  teeming 

With  waving  grain  and  ripening  fruits.     In  one 

Encircling  ken,  I  gaze  on  rivers,  lakes 

And  boundless  oceans — on  crystal  glaziers, 

Coral  reefs,  and  sun-lit  isles,  here  and  there 

Scattered  upon  her  bosom,  like  smiling 

Stars  in  Heaven's  blue  firmament.     Yea,  more  ! 

I  see,  what  seems  the  work  of  human  hands  ; 

Clustering  here,  are  piles  of  marble,  stone, 

And  brick  in  great  variety,  and  most 

Symmetrically  arranged,  all  sculptured, 

And  nicely  excavated,  adapted 

Well  as  habitations  for  Earth's  people. 

Rising  in  the  midst,  and  pointing  heavenward, 

Are  turrets,  towers  and  domes ;  the  streets  seem 

Paved,  and  filled  with  human  beings,  running 

To  and  fro,  crowding,  jostling,  dodging  each 

The  other.      How  full  of  life,  and  active 

Duty  !  each  striving,  doubtless,  to  perform 


loS  Lessons  of  Life, 

Some  great  and  noble  purpose — some  holy 

Work,  most  worthy  of  a  soul  immortal. 

But  scattered  round,  still  other  piles  I  see 

Mostly  of  wood,  in  form  and  model  like 

The  others — each  stands  alone,  a  garden 

Plot  annexed,  painted  in  white,  with  training 

Vines  embowered,  beautiful  and  useful; 

Fit  home  it  seems  for  a  contented  mind. 

But  hark  !  what  shrill  and  startling  sound  I  hear, 

As  of  a  cry  of  anguish — can  it  be 

The  voice  of  the  huge  monster,  which  I  see 

Dashing  with  lightning  speed  across  the  plains, 

To  the  very  base  of  rocky  heights?     Fire, 

Steam  and  smoke,  he  belches  from  his  nostrils. — 

Madly  he  rushes  on  !     now  darts  as  does 

A  serpent  for  his  hole,  and  disappears 

Into  the  very  bosom  of  the  earth. 

Is  it  the  Devil?     I  have  heard  he  roams 

The  earth,  taking  a  serpent's  form,  then,  that 

Of  angel.     Lo  !  far  beyond  the  rocky 

Cliff,  I  see  him  dashing,  flying  onward 

O'er  shining  rails,  and  iron-roads,  scattered 

Like  net-work  o'er  earth's  surface. 


Lessons  of  Life,  109 

How  peacefully  upon 

The  waters,  move  those  other  things  of  life ; 
Dancing  along,  the  towering  waves  they  mount, 
Then  gently  glide  into  the  ocean's  trough 
Only  to  rise  again,  more  proudly  than 
Bjfore,  scattering  the  spray  in  silvery 
Showers  around.    Some  wingless  seem,  others 
Broad  pinions  have,  of  snowy  whiteness.     Can 
They  be  male  and  female?     All  living  things, 
I  hear  are  sub-divided  thus  ;  all  made 
For  man,  for  him  alone  created. 

Now  hie  me  on 

My  mission  !  and  since  to  me  permitted, 
I'll  take  the  human  form, — will  converse  hold 
\Viih  this  most  favored  race,  and  from  them  learn 
Their  manners,  customs,  and  the  purposes 
And  aim  of  life,  for  surely,  exemplars 
They  must  be  of  holy  living. 


H 


SCENE  II. 

CENTRAL   PARK,   NEW   YORK   CliY. — MORNING. 
SPIRIT. 

This  then  is  Earth  ! 

How  bright  and  beautiful  the  pictured  scene 
Which  meets  my  vision  !  rivulets.  I  see, 
Dancing  in  silver  light  ;   lakelets,  playing 
With  sunbeams  ;  fountains,  pearl  drops  scattering, 
Forming  cascades  and  water-falls  in  miniature. 
Foot-paths,  with  evergreens  embowered  I  see, 
Winding  their  tortuous  way,  midst  quiet  nooks, 
And  rocky  dells,  through  rich  green  lawns,  and  beds 
Of  flowers  ;  forest  trees,  clothed  with  autumnal 
Leaves  of  varied  hues  ;  these,  with  the  structures 
Man  has  reared,  make  it  indeed  a  lovely 
Spot, —  almost  enchanted  ground. 

Here,  in  this 

Frescade,  will  I  sit  down, — with  lingering 
Eye  will  gaze  upon  those  hughing,  joyous 


Lessons  of  Life.  1 1 1 

Beings,  now  strolling  round  in  happiness 
Before  me.     Here  comes  one  !  bearing  himself 
With  dignity,  and  on  his  brow  enthroned, 
Sits  Intellect.     His  whitened  locks,  bespeak 
Great  wisdom  and  experience,  while  his 
Pleasing  eye  and  smiling  face  exhibit 
Most  of  all,  a  kind  and  humane  heart. 
He,  surely  is  the  friend  I  seek;  to  him, 
Will  I  declare  myself,  to  him,  reveal 
The  object  of  my  mission,  and  perchance 
All  needed  information  will  he  give. 

(He  speaks  to  him.) 

God's  peace  be  with  thee,  friend ! 
If  looks  and  form  belie  thee  not,  thou  wilt 
Most  willingly  listen  to  a  stranger's 
Voice,  and  give  him  audience.     Come,  sit  thee 
Down  beside  me.     In  this  pleasant  spot,  fanned 
By  the  cooling  breeze,  together  w.e  will 
Talk  of  God,  and  of  his  handiworks  ;  of  earth, 
On  which  I  gaze  with  pleasure  ;  of  man, 
Respecting  whom,  most  wondrous  things  abroad 
Are  whispered. 


112  Lessons  of  Life. 

REV.  DR.  WISEMAN. 

Whence,  and  who  art  thou  ? 
Thy  voice  rings  of  the  true  metal,  and  thy 
Words  are  indices  of  a  mind,  both  pure 
And  virtuous. 

SPIRIT. 

I  am  no  denizen  of  earth,  but  when 
The  great  orb  of  day  goes  down,  and  darkness 
Black  as  midnight  gathers  round,  I'll  point  you 
To  a  planet,  which,  then  rising,  will  cast 
Its  borrowed  light  upon  the  world, — a  soft 
And  pleasing  light,  lifting  the  soul  heavenward, 
Filling  it  with  holy  aspirations. 
There  is  my  home!  'tis  in  the  Moon, — the  great 
Reflector,  which  at  night  throws  sun  rays  on 
The  earth,  and  in  turn  the  earth  throws  back 
The  same  upon  the  moon.     In  harmony, 
Each  the  other  serves. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Thou  talkest  nonsense,  man  ! 
Between  these  planets,  lies  immensity 


Lessons  of  Life.  1 1 3 

Of  space,  crowded  with  sunbeams,  as  the  sea 

With  rain-drops.     Didst  thou  cross    this  space,  as 

thou 
Wouldst  the  ocean  ? 

SPIRIT. 

With  God,  all  things  are  possible  !     Hast  thou 
Not  heard  of  Angels'  visits  ?  of  Spirits 
In  the  human  form,  who,  having  done  what 
They  were  sent  to  do,  vanished  like  shadows 
And  were  seen  no  more  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

I  am  no  Sadducee, 

Who  contend  there  is  no  resurrection, 
Neither  angel,  spirit,  devil ;  in  all 
I  do  believe,  for  'tis  a  truth  revealed 
By  God,  and  in  His  Holy  Word  proclaimed. 
The  soul  will  never  die!     It  will  exist 
When  the  frail  body  crumbles  into  dust  ; 
Instinct  with  life,  'twill  burst  the  bonds  of  Earth, 
And  mounting  up,  will  be  enrolled  among 
The  disembodied  Spirits,  be  they  good 


114  Lessons  of  Life. 

Or  bad.     See  at  your  feet  that  crawling  worm  ! 
Seemingly  it  will  die — perhaps  to-day — 
If  so,  to-morrow  it  appears  decked  out 
In  rainbow  colors,  and  on  its  golden 
Wings,  mounts  upward  a  gaudy  butterfly. 
Thus  the  Immortal  Soul,  leaving  at  length 
Its  embryo  state,  unfettered,  enters 
The  Spirit  land,  with  powers  well  suited 
For  its  new  existence.     Angels  on  earth    . 
In  early  times  appeared — angels  of  light, 
On  special  missions  sent,  and  for  some  wise 
Purposes,  while  spirits  satanic,  were 
Allowed  in  divers  forms  to  roam  the  world, 
As  tempters  of  mankind.     In  latter  days, 
Like  miracles  they  are  not  visible, 
For  the  Great  Ruler  executes  His  vast 
Designs,  and  purposes,  by  other  means, 
And  uses  other  agents. 

Each  Age,  has 

Had  'tis  true,  its  own  peculiar  folly — 
Has  had  its  wild  chimera,  phantasy, 
Or  popular  delusion,  which,  starting 
From  the  brain  of  some  half-crazed  fanatic, 


Lessons  of  Life.  115 

Has  swept  like  wildfire,  gathering  in  its 
Course,  both  strength  and  fierceness. 

The  great  hobby 

Of  one  Age  was  the  Crusades.     The  hermit 
Peter,  Monk  of  Amiens,  low  of  stature, 
And  ill-favored,  conceived  in  Palestine 
The  grand  idea  of  wresting  from  hands 
Of  Musselmen,  our  Saviour's  Sepulchre, 
And  from  infidel  thralldom,  rescuing 
The  poor  Christians  of  the  East.     In  his  dreams, 
Visions  he  saw,  and  forth  he  went  upon 
A  mule,  barefooted  and  barearmed  preaching 
To  countless  thousands.     Into  Italy, 
And  France — thence  into  Germany  he  went, 
And  under  the  banner  of  the  Cross,  millions 
Were  enrolled.     Then,  as  now,  enthusiasm 
Was  most  contagious!  for,  seized  with  frenzy, 
The  lame,  the  halt  and  blind,  with  wives  and.  children 
Crowding  to  the  Holy  Land,  blocked  up  all 
Roads  leading  to  Jerusalem.      But  few 
Returned  !  by  famine,  by  disease,  by  sword, 
Thousands,  yea,  millions  fell,  and  Death  did  glut 
Itself  with  victims. 


n6  Lessons  of  Life. 

Then  came  the  Age 

Of  Witchcraft,  when  evil  Spirits  roamed 
The  earth,  as  was  believed  in  divers  forms. 
Demons  and  Witches  were  plenty  in  those 
Days  ; — visible,  invisible,  and  thick 
As  summer  flies.     Aerial  devils 
There  were,  living  in  air,  causing  tempests 
And  whirl-winds  ;  terrestial,  dwelling  on  earth, 
The  timid  frightening,  and  tormenting  men. 
Witchcraft  became  a  mania.      Foolish, 
And  absurd,  this  vile  belief  engendered 
Superstitions,  which  in  their  turn  deluged 
The  land  with  blood — with  horrors,  too  terrible 
To  relate.      Learned  and  unlearned,  old  and  young, 
The  beautiful  maiden  and  the  toothless 
ling,  were  all  bewitched,  and  on  the  scaffold, 
Or  at  the  stake  they  suffered.     Was  there  time, 
I  could  relate  of  other  ages  most 

Strange  delusions  ;  how  thorough  search  was  made 
For  the  Elixir  Vitac, — thought  to  be 
Of  death  a  sure  preventative  ;  of  search 
For  the  Philosopher's  Stone,  which,  if  found 
Would  turn  all  metals  into  gold,  making 


Lessons  of  Life.  \  1 7 

Men  rich  ;  of  Divination,  Augury, 
Magnetism  and  Prophecy,  till  coming- 
Down,  a  tale  I  could  relate,  of  midnight 
Seances,  moonlight  materializations, 
And  of  dark  circles,  wherein  spirits,  white 
And  black  appear,  exhibiting  most  strange 
And  marvelous  manifestations. 

Mysterious 

Is  that  influence,  by  which  one  mind  can 
Sway  another,  as  the  will  doth  ever 
Sway  the  members  of  the  body,  making 
Them  do  its  bidding;  more  mysterious, 
The  seeming  willingness  exhibited 
By  some,  in  being  blindly  led,  against 
Their  judgment,  reason,  conscience,  and  against 
All  common  sense,  into  glaring  errors, 
Adopting  theories,  and  principles 
Pernicious  in  themselves,  absurd,  and  most 
Destructive  to  society.     God  made 
The  mind  as  lie  made  stars,  perfect !  and  as 
In  Nature's  diadem  He  set  those  brilliants, 
So  in  the  world  of  intellect. — His  own 
Bright  coronet — did  He  fix  the  mind,  and  gave 


Ii8  Lessons  of  Life. 

It  strength  His  glory  to  reflect,  as  moon 

Throws  back  the  sun-rays.     How  sad  to  know  that 

This,  the  noblest  portion  of  our  being, 

Which  thinks,  and  wills,  and  reasons, — this  gifted 

Reflex  of  the  Deity,  should  comet-like 

Have  broken  from  its  sphere,  o'er  leaping  bounds 

Fixed  by  the  Almighty,  and  gone  rambling 

Through  space,  casting  but  shadows.      Ofttimes 

At  night,  while  gazing  on  the  stars  twinkling 

So  beautifully  in  the  heavens,  have 

I  seen  a  meteor  go  flashing  through 

The  sky,  earthward,  then  in  black  darkness 

Disappear.     Thus  man  did  fall  from  the  high 

Estate  in  which  he  was  created. 

SPIRIT. 

Indeed  !  most  marvelous 

Things  thou  dost  relate,  of  thine  own  species. 
In  yonder  planet,  peopled  by  a  race 
Guiltless  and  sinless,  something  was  whispered 
Of  the  fall  of  man,  and  of  some  special  favor, 
Wherein  was  exercised  an  attribute 
Of  Deity  never  before  displayed, — 
Of  mercy  and  forgiveness.     More  would  we 


Lessons  of  Life.  1 19 

Learn,  and  to  this  end  it  was  permitted 

Me  to  visit  earth,  and  in  human  form 

To  sojourn  for  a  while.     Ambassador, 

Unheralded,  and  unannounced  I  come 

Upon  this  special  mission  !  no  regal 

Pomp,  no  brilliant  retinue  attend  my 

Footsteps;  no  boon  companion  will  lend  his 

Aid  and  presence,  nor  with  me,  share  the  work 

And  honor  of  this  my  high  vocation. 

Alone,  I'll  range  through  earth,  observing  man 

In  public,  social,  and  in  private  life  ; 

Will  note  his  actions,  read  his  thoughts,  and  trace 

The  inward  workings  of  his  mind.     Thy  words 

Cast  shadows  o'er  my  spirits,  and  drink  up 

Pleasant  thoughts,  as  darkness  drinks  up  twilight. 

Surely  'mong  God's  favored  ones,  can  be  found 

A  host  of  noble,  just,  and  virtuous 

Men,  whose  every  word,  and  thought,  and  act,  must 

Harmonize  with  the  Creative  Mind? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

I  would  not  take 

One  virtue  from  the  human  heart,  nor  add 
One  pang  to  thine  ;  but  if  indeed  thou  art 


I2O  Lessons  of  Life. 

A  Spirit  as  them  dost  say,  and  here  have 
Come  upon  a  holy  mission,  God  speed 
Thy  footsteps,  and  give  thee  strength  thy  duty 
To  perform.     Deceitful  above  all  things, 
And  desperately  wicked,  is  the  heart 
Uncleansed  and  unredeemed.     Go  the  world  o'er, 
From  Frost  Land  to  the  Burning  Zone,  from  East 
To  West,  'mong  Christians,  Pagans,  civilized 
And  uncivilized,  and  you  will  see  dark 
Crimes  committed,  foul  wrongs  perpetrated, 
And  fiery  passions  like  fiends  incarnate, 
Each  striving  for  the  mastery.     Enough 
You'll  see  to  give  thee  heart-throbs,  driving 
The  blood,  hot,  tingling  through  the  veins. 

Among  the  masses  of  mankind, 
There  have  in  every  age  been  found  good  men, 
Whose  characters  like  burnished  gold,  have  shone 
Spotless  and  pure.     Generous,  unselfish, 
Full  of  faith  and  holy  love,  they  have  lived 
Not  for  themselves,  but  to  promote  the  good 
Of  others,  and  magnify  the  great  name 
Of  Him  who  governs  all.     Like  Oases 
In  a  barren  desert,  so  in  the  moral 


Lessons  of  Life.  1 2 1 

World,  where  everything  seems  scorched,  and 

shriveled 

Up  by  sin,  such  characters  look  fruitful 
And  most  refreshing.     Unknown,  unhonored 
They  may  be — on  history's  page  their  names 
May  be  unwritten;  it  matters  not!  for  in 
The  great  Book  of  Life  they  are  enrolled. 

Wouldst  thou  learn 

The  story  of  our  Race — its  progress  trace 
Fr.rn  the  creation  to  the  present  time, 
Or  know  the  human  mind,  and  understand 
Its  varied  changes,  from  early  infancy 
To  age  advanced — from  cradle  to  the  grave  ? 
On  history's  page,  sacred  and  profane 
Tis  written  ;  the  records  of  all  ages 
Therein  are  treasured  up;  God's  dealings  with 
Our  race,  and  all  essential  facts  are  there 
Spread  out,  like  stars  upon  the  firmament 

SPIRIT. 

How  happens  it, 

That  for  so  many  years  these  facts  could  be 
Remembered — the  records  how  preserved  ? 


122  Lessons  of  Life. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

The  mind  is  ever  active,  either 
For  good  or  evil.     Now  doth  it  wander, 
In  day-dreams,  fictions,  and  visions  from  place 
To  place,  by  truth  or  reason  unrestrained, — 
Then,  will  it  gather  facts,  search  out  events, 
And  by  comparison,  will  discover 
The  external  relations  they  bear,  each 
To  the  other.     Most  complex  is  the  mind's 
Phenomena,  for  mingling  together 
Like  the  ingredients  of  a  compound, 
Are  thoughts,  sensations,  and  emotions,  each 
Striving  for  the  mastery,  giving  new 
Life  and  force  to  mental  faculties.     On 
Science,  all  Arts  practical,  are  founded  ; 
And  what  is  science  but  the  glorious 
Product  of  the  mind,  in  comprehending 
The  relationship  of  things,  and  tracing 
Effects  back  to  their  causes?     Truly, 
This  Age  is  an  inventive  one  !     In  art, 
And 'science,  most  rapid  progress  has  been 
Made,  and  marvelous  things  revealed  during 


Lessons  of  Life.  123 

The  present  century.     The  printing  press 

By  steam  is  driven,  and  books,  a  countless 

Number  are  scattered  o'er  the  world.     In  Greek, 

Hebrew,  Syraic,  Arabic, — in  French, 

German,  English, — in  poetry,  and  prose 

Are  now  recorded  the  past  and  present 

Of  our  race. 

In  his  great  wisdom,  God  hath  to  us 
Revealed  His  Holy  Will, — instructed  us 
In  matters  pertaining  to  Himself,  His 
Government,  and  of  the  grand  scheme  by  Him 
Devised  for  man's  redemption.     Of  all  books, 
Most  precious  is  the  Bible!     It  recounts 
The  history  of  man  from  the  creation 
To  the  present  time  ;  the  simple  story 
Of  the  cross  it  tells — how  God  this  guilty 
World  so  loved,  as  to  give  His  only  Son 
A  sacrifice  for  sin,  how  willingly 
The  Son  did  drink  the  bitter  cup,  thereby 
Perfecting  man's  redemption. 

Yea,  more  !  this  blessed  book, 
Filled  with  most  glorious  truths,  and  precious 
Promises, — with  holy  precepts  and  sweet 


124  Lessons  of  Life. 

Messages  of  love,  shines  like  a  beacon 
Light,  to  guide  the  wandering  soul  into 
The  haven  of  Eternal  Rest. 

SPIRIT. 

And  is  this  true? 

Such  love  I  cannot  comprehend  !     Why  did 
Not  God  blast  this  sinful  world,  or  make  it 
Pure  by  his  avenging  lightnings? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

God  is  Love  !  and  being  such, 
He  freely  did  forgive,  and  gave  His  Son 
A  ransom  for  our  race.     All  can  be  saved 
Who  will  repent  in  faith. — Not  otherwise. 

SPIRIT. 

Did  you  say,  that  rapid  progress  now 
Was  being  made,  in  science  and  in  art? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Like  Ocean's  crested  waves, 
Years  onward  rush  in  the  great  sea  of  Time, 
Bringing  to  light  the  products  of  man's  skill 


Lessons  of  Life.  125 

And  ingenuity.     How  quick  years  come 

And  go,  then  vanish  into  ages,  crowned 

With  events  and  monuments  stupendous  ! 

Time  was,  when  the  frail  body  was  enslaved 

And  doomed  to  servile  labor.     The  daily 

Bread  by  the  brow's  sweat  was  earned,  and  toiling 

Millions  had  no  higher  aim,  or  purpose, 

Than  to  get  food  and  raiment.     How  little 

Did  they  know  of  mind,  its  giant  powers, 

And  God-like  faculties  !     For  long  ages 

It  slept  in  fetters — barren  and  sterile 

As  deserts'  burning  sands,  but  rousing  up, 

At  length  it  burst  its  bonds,  and  to  the  world 

Proclaimed  its  high  prerogatives.     Time  works 

Its  changes,  and  for  two  centuries  past, 

Mind  has  been  active,  and  the  world  has  moved. 

Most  rapid  and  universal  is  social 

Intercourse;  with  lightning  speed  oceans  are 

Traversed,  deserts  explored,  and  now  being 

Fully  developed  is  the  philosophy 

Of  uses.      Most  rapid  strides  have  nations 

Made  in  science  and  in  art — wind,  water, 

Fire  are  harnessed  up  to  do  man's  bidding, 


126  Lessons  of  Life. 

And  night  and  day  they  toil,  driving  those  huge 
Machines,  which  now  perform  man's  servile  work. 
But  see  !    the  evening  cometh — 
The  lengthening  shadows  and  descending  sun 
Bid  us  depart.     Come  to  my  home  and  see 
Domestic  life.     Before  the  Throne  of  Grace, 
With  us  unite  in  prayer  and  praise  to  Him, 
Who  doth  all  things  well. 


SCENE  III. 

WALL    STREET. — NOON. 
SPIRIT. 

Strange  sight  is  this  ! 

What  means  this  human  tide,  this  hurrying 
To  and  fro,  this  crowding,  jostling,  dodging 
Each  the  other  ?     Feverish,  excited 
They  appear,  but  full  of  life  and  action 
Vigorous.     Surely,  some  great  and  noble 
Purpose  they  must  have,  some  worthy  object ; 
Competitors  perhaps,  for  the  great  prize, — 
The  Crown  of  Glory,  God  has  offered. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

In  his  dark  cell, 

A  felon,  convicted  and  condemned,  will 
Sometimes  fall  asleep,  and  a  sweet,  joyous 
Smile  will  play  upon  his  countenance,  while 
He  dreams  of  home,  of  happy,  boyhood  days, 
And  of  a  mother's  love.     I  would  not, — could 


128  Lessons  of  Life. 

Not  have  the  heart  this  dream-sketch  to  despoil, 
Or  from  his  mind  drive  out  this  vision  bright, 
For  soon  enough  he'll  wake  to  misery. 
Nor  would  I,  were  it  not  expedient, 
Wake  you  from  day-dreams,  or  blur  this  vision 
Of  your  soul  as  to  our  race.     'Tis  Mammon 
Worship  you  behold  !  here  sits  the  golden 
Calf  enthroned,  and  at  its  most  exacting 
Shrine,  men  offer  incense.     To  rob,  and  cheat 
Seems  their  chief  end, — their  sought  for  summuin 

bonum. 

The  savage  in  his  pride,  points  to  the  scalps 
Suspended  from  his  person,  as  trophies 
Of  his  power;  the  purse-proud  millionaire 
Exhibits  gold,  wrung  from  the  poor  man's  brow. 
And  calls  it  wealth  ;  yea  !  the  jeweled  upstart, 
Who  deals  in  stocks,  and  bonds,  and  money  loans 
At  most  usurious  rates,  will  rack  his  brain 
To  take  the  bread  from  out  his  brother's  mouth. 
Go  in  the  "  Broker's  Board,"  or  the  ''  Exchange," 
And  you  will  see  how  men  like  cats  and  dogs 
Will  snarl  and  growl,  one  at  the  other.      We 
Call  them  "  Bulls  and  Bears" — fit  names  for  those 


Lessons  of  Life.  129 

Who  prey  upon  each  other.     Thirsting  for 
Gold,  how  demon-like  they  act,  and  what  vile 
Tricks  they  practice,  to  deceive  and  cheat  their 
Fellows.     'Tis  a  School  of  Vice,  wherein  base 
Passions  rule,  and  legalized  is  gambling. 

Here  dissemblers  meet,  and  here 
Do  congregate  a  class  of  men,  who  pit 
Their  brains  against  their  hearts,  and  having  left 
At  home  their  consciences,  will  bring  their  bags 
Of  yellow  gold,  and  with  them  practice  most 
Infernal  arts.     Here  too,  are  seen  the  young 
And  inexperienced.     Led  on  by  dazzling 
Dreams  of  wealth,  and  hopes  delusive,  they  will 
Step  by  step,  this  whirlpool  of  corruption 
Enter,  till  they  are  fleeced  and  robbed  of  all 
Their  honest  earnings.     Not  content  with  this 
Deserved  chastisement,  manhood  they  barter, 
And  their  honor  pledge  as  one  would  pawn 
1 1  is  jewels,  at  most  usurious  rates. 
Cheating  one's  self  is  bad  enough,  but  when 
'Tis  done,  how  easy  to  practice  the  same 
Game  on  others.     By  fraud,  some  men  grow  rich 
And  others  poor.     This  gambling  legalized, 


130  Lessons  of  Life. 

Petrifies  the  sou], — hath  drank  all  goodness 
From  the  heart,  as  death  will  drink  its  life-blood. 
Well  hath  the  poet  said— 
"  In  the  street  the  tide  of  being,  how  it  surges,  how 

it  rolls- 
God  !  what  base  ignoble  faces.     God !  what  bodies 

wanting  souls." 

SPIRIT. 

Thy  words  indeed  are  terrible  ! 
Like  drops  of  molten  lead,  into  my  heart 
They  burn.     Why  does  not  God  hurl  forth  his  bolts, 
And  blast  them  with  his  vengeance  ?  why  bestow 
On  such  as  these,  his  gifts  of  love,  or  strew 
With  flowers  their  pathway — scattering  blessings. 
On  them  like  snow-flakes  o'er  the  earth  ?     Is  gold 
Man's  only  idol,  and  this  the  only 
Plague  spot  of  the  \vorld,  or  at  other  shrines, 
And  in  other  lands  is  incense  offered  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Man's  folly  is  proverbial  ! 
How  full  of  human  blunders,  ignorance, 
And  crime  is  the  historic  page !     It  tells 


Lessons  of  Life.  131 

Of  mad  ambition,  grasping  avarice, 

And  venal  lust,  of  selfishness  most  base, 

Of  tyranny  most  horrible.     These  are 

The  idols,  men  everywhere  do  worship. 

Man  delights  in  power,  and  when  obtained 

How  wrongfully  he  uses  it !     The  vile 

Pestilence  which  stalketh  forth  at  noonday, 

Dragging  its  countless  victims  in  its  train, 

Is  less  destructive  than  the  tyrant's  will. 

Let  elements  combine,  let  all  unite 

With  the  destroying  angel  in  blotting 

God's  image  from  the  earth — yea!  the  Sea 

May  lash  herself  to  fury,  volcanic 

Fires  may  rage,  earthquakes  may  rock  earth's  centre, 

The  fierce  tornado  hither  and  thither, 

Dash,  wildly  insane, — 'tis  all  in  vain  ! 

Elements  their  rest  must  take  from  such  mad 

Efforts,  and  human  wisdom  will  foresee, 

And  guard  against  destruction. 

Not  so  with  human  passions  ! 
For  once  inflamed,  like  fires  of  Hell,  they  burn, 
And  burn  forever.     Tyrants  are  fiends 
In  human  form, — incarnate  fiends!  who  prey 


132  Lessons  of  Life. 

Upon  mankind,  and  glut  themselves  with  blood. 
Man's  bitter  foe,  is  man,  and  they  will  feed 
Like  carrion  crows  upon  each  other. 

This  Age 

Is  noted  for  its  crimes,  among  those  deemed 
Respectable.     Scarcely  a  day  doth  pass, 
Without  its  breathing  some  gigantic  fraud, 
Or  startling  defalcation, — not  by  the  poor, 
And  so-called  vulgar  class  committed, 
But  by  those  honored  wretches  who  have  lived 
In  princely  style,  dazzling  our  eyes  by  means 
Of  borrowed  wealth, — perhaps  by  those  whom  we 
To  power  have  raised,  custodians  made 
Of  our  great  nation's  treasures.     Alas  ;  'tis  true  ! 
The  very  air  seems  surcharged  as  with  crime, 
The  winds  do  whisper  in  our  ears  some  truths, 
Which  cause  our  hearts  to  throb,  our  cheeks  with 

blood 

To  crimson,  and  our  eyes,  hot,  scalding  tears 
To  drop  for  very  shame.     How  true  as  one 
Has  said,  "  It  matters  not  what  men  assume 
To  be,  or  good,  or  bad,  they  are  but  what 
They  are." 


Lessons  of  Life.  133 

To  rob,  and  cheat,  and  steal, 
Is  a  prerogative  assumed  by  some, 
Who  seek  thereby  to  magnify  themselves, 
And  lord  it  over  others.     With  costly 
Wines  and  sumptuous  dinners,  they  attach 
A  class  of  hungry  sycophants,  who  dog-like 
Fawn  upon  their  tinseled  masters, — ready 
Stand  to  do  their  bidding,  and  to  their  every 
Word  will  say,  Amen  !     How  rocket-like  some 
Men  with  rushing  sound,  will  rise  above  their 
Fellows,  and  to  the  gaping  crowd  throw  off 
Most  brilliant  scintillations, — for  a  time 
In  dazzling  brightness  they  are  seen,  then  all 
Is  darkness  ;  yea  !  like  a  charred  stick  they  fall, — 
Are  trampled  on,  by  once  admiring  friends. 
Don't  call  this  luck,  or  chance — No  !  No  !  but  God, 
Whose  great  Omniscient  eye  beholdeth  all 
Things,  and  Who  the  secrets  of  the  inmost  heart 
Doth  read,  may  for  a  little  while  permit 
Such  fools  to  glory  in  their  shame,  before 
1  Ic  hurls  them  to  destruction. 

I  know  one, 
And  with  his  case  we  are  all  familiar, 


1 34  Lessons  of  Life. 

Who,  but  yesterday  was  the   "  Grand  Mogul  " 
Of  a  powerful  faction.      Stahvart  in  frame, 
And  schooled  in  politics,  the  central  figure 
Was  he  in  a  Ring  most  infamous.     He 
Was  its  Chief,  its  head,  its  front,  and  as  such 
Was  he  worshipped.     Daring,  unscrupulous, 
A  crafty  trickster,  and  designing  knave, 
He  had  an  eye  on  plunder.     Ambition 
Was  the  spur  of  all  his  actions  ; — the  God 
To  which  he  sacrificed — what  most  he  should 
Have  guarded, —  his  honor  and  his  manhood. 
In  his  enormous  grasp,  he  seized  what  came 
Within  his  reach, — no  matter  whence  it  came, 
Or  how  ;  it  was  his  gold  and  wealth.     The  man, 
Who  in  public,  or  official  duty 
Fails,  on  private  virtue  will  disdainful 
Tread,  as  steps  to  raise  him  to  some  higher 
Purpose.     Rogues  who  dread  shame,  to  hide  their 

guilt 

Will  greater  rogues  become.     Guilt  once  begun, 
Will  fly  to  crime  consummate  to  be  safe. 
Rich  and  powerful  had  become  this  crafty 
Politician  ;  then  followed  in  his  train 


Lessons  of  Life.  135 

A  crowd  of  fawning  sycophants,  to  whom 
His  smile  was  life,  and  death  his  frown.     Judges 
Wore  but  his  tools,  and  Legislators  classed 
Among  his  wannest  friends  ;  Courts  he  controlled 
And  ballot  box  he  stuffed  ;  Schools  political, 
In  which  the  vile  and  ignorant  of  earth 
Were  gathered,  to  be  .trained  his  will  to  do, 
Were  lavishly  supported. 

Oh  !  how  like 

Summer  insects,  did  these  parasites  bask 
Awhile  in  sunshine,  and  with  gilded  wings, 
Flutter  about  this  tinseled  lord.     How  fat 
And  sleek  they  grew  on  stolen  provender, 
Scattered  so  lavishly  by  the  Boss's  hand  ; 
How  every  man  at  will  did  grind  his  axe, — 
And  axes  were  plenty  in  those  days — each, 
And  all,  some  grinding  needed  on  "  My  Lord's'' 
Great  model  grindstone, — "  Corruption."     In  his 
Pride  the  Chief  grew  most  presumptuous  !  had  he 
Lived  on  buttered  thunder,  and  drank  naught  else 
But  vivid  lightnings,  more  gorgeous  villainies 
He  could  not  have  displayed,  to  shock  mankind. 
Oh  !  how  he  piled  up  wrath,  against  the  day 


136  Lessons  of  Life. 

Of  wrath, — his  power  supreme,  he  would  snap 
His  fingers  in  faces  of  honest  men, 
And  threaten  them  with  vengeance. 

SPIRIT. 

Didst  thou  not  say  but  yesterday, 
That  brutes  by  instinct  know  their  foes,  and  when 
To  them  superior  strength  is  given, 
They  use  it  for  destruction  ?     Didst  thou  not 
Say  the  veriest  worm  when  trampled  on. 
Turns  on  its  destroyer  ?     Why  then  do  men 
Endowed  with  reason — with  powers  of  thought 
And  oCtion, — with  determined  will,  tamely 
Submit  to  such  ignoble  acts?  why  not 
Crush  out  at  once  such  human  monsters? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

This  man  had  sown  the  wind, 
And  now  the  whirlwind  of  the  people's  wrath 
Must  surely  reap.     Such  potent  instruments 
By  them  had  been  prepared,  as  would  o'erturn 
This  Idol  of  the  hour,  and  dash  him  down 
By  proofs  invincible.     The  Ring  of  which 
He  was  the  head  and  front,  was  broken  up, 
And  craven  minions  by  guilty  conscience 


Lessons  of  Life.  137 

Lashed,  like  chaff  before  the  wind  were  scattered. 
Thank  God  !  the  time  had  come  when  could  be 

found 

A  Jury  who  dared  convict, — an  honest 
Judge,  who  dared  the  penalty  due  to  crime 
Inflict ;  whom  bribes  did  not  affect,  and  who 
Firmly  and  justly  the  law  administered. 
The  great  man  was  arrested,  and  his  day 
Of  glory  set  in  darkest  night.     Justice 
This  once  had  triumphed.    Cold,  pale  and  trembling, 
This  helpless,  shipwrecked  wretch  was  made  to  stand 
In  public  ;  with  uncovered  head  received 
The  sentence  of  the  Court, — not  death,  but  deep, 
Damning  degradation.      Honors  and  wealth, 
The  intercourse  with  friends,  comforts  of  home,   ' 
Yea  !  the  world  itself  must  be  abandoned, 
And  thus  for  twelve  long  years,  with  shaven  head, 
Wearing  the  garb  of  infamy  and  shame, 
Must  he  live  and  toil  with  convicts.     Punishment 
Deserved!     How  thick  .the    thoughts   did  crowd 

upon 

His  wearied  brain, — scorpion-like,  each  one 
Did  have  its  sting;   the  Future,  Present,  Past; 


138  Lessons  of  Life. 

Oh  !  how  like  molten  lead  they  fell  upon 

His  smitten  soul  to  weigh  it  down.     By  night, 

By  day  did  guilty  conscience  like  a  fiend 

Torment  him,  and  if  perchance,  upon  his 

Hard,  cold  cot  he  fell  asleep,  of  nightmare 

'Tvvould  take  the  form,  and  scare  him  till  the  flesh 

Se'emed  creeping  from  the  bone  and  he  woke  up 

In  misery. 

The  galley-slave  while  tugging  at  the  oar, 

Can  feel  no  degradation  if  ignoble 

Born  ;  but  he,  who  in  the  lap  of  luxury 

Is  bred,  whose  every  wish  is  gratified, 

Whose  word  is  law,  endowed  with  mental  powers 

And  with  a  mind  most  richly  cultivated, — 

A  millionaire,  ranking  among  the  noble 

Ones  of  earth,  Oh  !  he  will  feel  like  sinking 

Out  of  sight,  his  bonds  will  hang  like  mill-stones 

Round  his  neck  to  sink  him  to  perdition. 

SPIRIT 

'Tis  a  burning  shame  ! 

That  men  will  train  the  passions,  the  vices 
Cultivate,  will  gloss  misdeeds,  and  trifle 
With  great  truths.     This  love  of  power, — this  lust 


Lessons  of  Life.  139 

For  gold  must  prostitute  the  soul,  and  make 
'It  ripe  for  infamy. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Alas  !  tis  true  ; 

Like  mildew,  it  will  blast  and  shrivel  up 
The  good  within  us.     The  sordid  Judas 
Did  for  paltry  gold  betray  his  Lord, 
And  to  the  rabble,  thirsting  for  His  blood, 
The  ambitious  Pilate  gave  his  Master. 
Enough  of  this. — Let  us  go  hence. 


SCENE  IV. 

BROADWAY. AFTERNOON, 

SPIRIT. 

Here  do  I  breathe  more  freely. 
From  my  soul  has  passed  a  frightful  vision, 
Like  vapor  from  the  earth.     I  seem  to  stand 
In  sunlight,  and  the  night-shadows  of  my 
Spirit,  before  the  glory  and  grandeur 
Of  this  enchanted  spot,  have  vanished. 
How  young,  and  fresh,  and  beautiful  appear 
The  objects  of  my  vision  !     These  marble 
Palaces,  these  marts  of  trade  with  crystal 
Fronts,  filled  with  earth's  choicest  products  ;  these 

domes 

And  spires  ascending  heavenward  ;  these  laughing, 
Joyous  faces, — lovely  maidens,  in  form 
Angelic,  and  whose  smiles,  sweet  as  opening 
Rose-buds  are  showered  upon  us, — surely, 
These  are  true  indices  of  a  mind,  pure, 
Happy  and  contented. 


Lessons  of  Life.  141 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Like  oxen  yoked  together, 
Science  and  Art  their  forces  have  combined, 
To  beautify  the  world's  great  promenades. 
For  miles  extends  this  broad,  paved  thoroughfare, 
Lined  with  continuous  freestone,  granite  and 
Marble,  chiseled,  sculptured  and  embellished 
With  costly  decorations,  symmetrical 
And  elaborate.     Here  too,  ebbs  and  flows 
Unceasingly,  the  great  tide  of  human 
Life,  bearing  upon  its  spacious  bosom, 
People  of  every  nation,  clime,  and  tongue. 
Here  side  by  side,  are  starving  mendicants 
And  purse-proud  millionaires;  the  virtuous 
Maidens  and  painted  courtesans ;  the  man 
Of  thought  and  action,  and  the  brainless  fop. 
Here,  Votaries  of  Fashion  you  can  see, 
Swarming  these  trade-temples,  like  bees  about 
A  hive,  buzzing  from  store  to  store,  feasting 
Their  eyes  on  newest  styles,  and  most  recent 
Importations.     Maidens,  matrons,  mothers 
In  dressy  toilets,  vie  with  flaunting  belles, 
In  gathering  tinseled  gewgaws  to  bedeck 
7  ~ 


142  Lessons  of  Life. 

Their  persons.     Shopping,  is  but  a  habit, 
Most  dangerous  and  expensive.     It  has 
Made  kind  husbands  bankrupt, — to  untimely 
Graves  sent  parents  broken-hearted, — cheapened 
Virtue,  and  made  the  young  both  proud  and  vain, 
By  dressing  them  like  puppets  for  a  show. 

"  Going-a-shopping," 
Is  a  phrase  by  the  many  used — by  few 
Well  understood.     Not  simply  does  it  mean 
Comforts  and  necessities  to  purchase  ; 
O,  no! — It  means  to  promenade  the  streets 
In  gorgeous  suits,  or  toilets  elegant, — 
Seeing  and  being  seen, — flirting  with  those 
With  whom  they  come  in  contact,  yea  !  flirting 
With  nice  young  men  who  ready  stand  to  show 
Them  due  attention.     It  means  absenting 
One's  self  from  home,  leaving  the  "  little  ones," 
Perhaps  an  infant  babe, — from  morn  till  night 
To  tender  mercies  of  a  cruel  nurse  ; — 
It  means  keeping  one's  self  from  "  rusting  out," — 
Life's  precious  moments  wasting  in  a  whirl 
Continuous,  of  giddy  dissipation. 


Lessons  of  Life.  143 

SPIRIT. 

Speak  not  I  pray  thee,  so  bitterly 
Of  v/oman  !  whom  God  hath  made  beautiful 
As  Venus, — pure  and  bright  as  morning  star. 
Surely,  there  are  those  whose  lives  of  spotless 
Purity,  like  virgin  gold  are  modest, 
And  of  intrinsic  value. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Thou  speakest  truly ! 
At  the  creation,  the  great  and  crowning 
Work  of  God  was  woman — man's  helpmate 
And  companion.     Most  beautiful,  most  frail 
Was  she  created,  and  when  tempted — fell ; 
Man  also  fell,  and  evil  filled  the  world 
As  brine  doth  fill  the  ocean.     Redemption 
Came  ! — Seed  of  the  woman  bruised  the  serpent's 
Head.     The  Virgin  Mother  bore  a  cherub 
Boy  ;  "  Immanuel,"  He  was  called, — the  "  Prince 
Of  Peace," — the  "Saviour"  of  the  world.     Angels 
Might  well  rejoice,  and  Stars  together  sing, 
When  in  a  humble  manger  Christ  appeared, 
Born  of  a  woman.     Honored  and  redeemed 
She  stands,  exalted  above  all  others. 


144  Lessons  of  Life. 

Yes  !  thousands  there  are 
In  this  great  mammon  city,  whose  home-life 
Seems  as  sweet  and  cheerful  as  the  placid 
Lake,  shut  in  twixt  mountainets.     Woman's 
True  empire  is  her  home,  and  power  she 
Hath,  by  influence  and  by  example, 
To  make,  or  mar  domestic  life.     Modest, 
Cheerful,  amiable,  she  wins  her  crown 
Of  glory  by  noble  acts,  and  being 
What  she  is,  the  crown  and  blessing  of  her 
Family.     "What  so  beautiful  on  earth, 
As  kindred  love  and  family  repose  ? 
Home  is  a  world  in  minature,  with  Sun 
And  Moon,  and  galaxy  of  shining  Stars, 
Moving  in  love  and  harmony.     Filial 
Obedience  and  parental  care  go  hand 
In  hand,  like  two  young  loves,  seeking  each 
Others'  happiness      Here  the  fond  mother 
Does  her  noblest  work ;  in  faith  and  joyous 
Hope,  in  prayers  and  tears,  with  constant  care 
And  deep  solicitude,  the  characters 
Of  her  little  ones  she  forms  and  daily 
Moulds,  watering,  and  pruning  these  olive 


Lessons  of  Life.  145 

Plants,  'round  the  parental  board."     Thus  does  she 
Gild  a  virtuous  life,  with  brighest  gold. 

SPIRIT. 

Thou  showest  me  now, 
Summer  and  sunshine  of  domestic  life, 
And  should  I  here  on  earth  remain,  methinks 
'Mong  the  fair  daughters  of  the  land,  a  wife 
I  would  select, — no  tinseled  fashionist ; 
No  made-up  manakin,  or  flirting  belle, 
But  one  possessing  reason,  conscience,  heart  ; 
Whose  gentle  manners,  and  whose  modest  ways 
Like  Autumn  clouds  upon  the  evening  sky, 
Scatter  their  roseate  hues  of  beauty 
And  of  love  on  all  around.     Pray  tell  me 
Sir,  do  all  men  marry? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

O,  no  !  for  some  there  are, 
Whose  hearts  are  cold  as  snow-drifts,  sterile  as 
Icelandic  icebergs,  who  can  no  more  love 
Than  marble  statue,  chiseled  to  human 
Form.     Selfish,  phlegmatic,  oiuvard  through  life 
They  grope  their  way,  unloving  and  unloved. 


146  Lessons  of  Life. 

Others  there  are, 

Habitues  of  gilded  sample-rooms,  oft 
Seen  at  places  like  the  Cremorne,  Mabille, 
And  Bagnios — the  fast  young  men,  whose  lives 
Are  sensual,  and  wretched  made  by  vice, 
And  lowest  dissipation  ;  such  prefer 
A  mistress  to  a  wife ;  a  club  or  dance 
House,  to  a  quiet  fireside.     Thus  they  grow 
Old  in  sin,  and  make  a  boast  of  single 

Blessedness. 

SPIRIT. 

Rather  say 

They  glory  in  their  shame  !  for  shameless  must 
They  be,  who  to  unbridled  passions  give 
The  greatest  latitude.      It  seems  most  strange, 
That  the  immortal  mind  can  thus  debase 
Its  mortal  tenement, — can  blast  the  spring-buds 
Of  its  life,  as  the  young  plant  is  blasted 
By  the  early  frost.     Surely,  with  a  cold 
Eye  the  world  must  frown  upon  them,  and  from 
Its  presence  drive  these  wretched  sensualists. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Not  so!     In  the  great 
Play-house  of  the  world,  either  in  Comedy, 


Lessons  of  Life.  147 

Or  Tragedy,  all  take  a  part  and  each 
A  chacter  assumes,  conspicuous 
Or  humble.     Before  the  blazing  foot-lights, 
Folly  and  Fortune  hand  in  hand  appear,— 
Stars  of  the  first  magnitude  in  worldling's 
Eyes,  who  laud  them  to  the  skies  and  on  them 
Shower  repeated  encores.     Next  Wisdom 
And  Virtue — the  twin-sisters  come,  bearing 
Themselves  with  grace  and  modesty;  admired 
Indeed  by  few,  but  by  the  great  masses 
Scorned  and  derided.     Great  is  the  power 
Of  Wealth  !  like  charity  it  covereth 
A  multitude  of  sins.     The  sensualist, 
However  vile  a  vagabond,  is  dined 
And  wined  ;  is  petted,  toadied  and  caressed 
Provided  he  is  rich.     His  wealth  doth  gild 
1 1  is  character,  as  the  dark  angry  cloud 
Ofttimcs  is  gilded  'round  with  burnished 
Sun -rays.     Gold  gives  position,  sanctifies 
All  vice,  and  into  crystal  lakes  transforms 
These  cesspools  of  corruption.     Tis  lunch  time  ! 
Our  bodies  frail,  food,  drink  and  rest  require 


148  Lessons  of  Life. 

As  the  parched  earth  refreshing  showers.     Wilt 
Go  with  me  ? 

SPIRIT. 

Most  willingly  do  I  accept 
Your  hospitalities.     Let  us  depart. 


SCENE  V. 

FIFTH   AVENUE.— MORNING. 
DR.  WISEMAN. 

These  are  the  abodes  of  men 
Who  live  in  style,  and  roll  in  luxury. 
These  stately,  brown  stone  mansions,  towering 
Skyward,  ornate,  elaborate,  for  miles 
Extend,  and  to  the  eye  seem  palaces 
In  dream-land.     Within  these  massive  walls,  fresh 
From  the  hands  of  artists  and  artizans, 
Are  brilliant  frescoes,  and  most  beautiful 
Decorations.     Here  Parian  busts  are  seen 
On  golden  tripods,  and  the  costliest, 
Rarest  statuary  from  pure  marble 
Sculptured,  stand  singly  or  in  groups.     Alcoves, 
With  crimson  velvet  hung;  carpets  of  gobelin, 
Soft  and  luxuriant ;  tables,  inlaid 
With  ivory  and  with  pearl,  bronzes,  vases, 
And  matchless  paintings,  are  all  reflected 
In  the  huge,  polished  mirrors,  and  combine 


150  Lessons  of  Life. 

With  the  Parisian  furniture  to  form 

A  picture  of  gorgeous  magnificence. 

Here  Princes  dwell,  and  here  they  exercise 

A  glorious  exclusiveness.     From  these 

Palatial  homes,  with  scorn  they  look  upon 

The  honest  laborer,  who  toils  to  earn 

His  daily  bread.     The  stately  oak,  towering 

Above  its  fellows  will  bask  in  sunshine, 

And  will  toy  with  sunbeams  playing  among 

Its  branches ;  but  no  fruit  it  bears,  except 

The  stinted  acorn,  while  on  the  fruitful 

Trees  it  looks  with  cold  contempt,  and  o'er  them 

Throws  its  darkened  shadow.     Thus  with  these 

men, 

Living  a  life  of  quietude  and  ease, 
Basking  in  sunlight  of  prosperity, 
Selfish,  arrogant  and  proud,  what  care  they 
For  starving  millions,  or  less  fortunate 
Ones  of  earth,  to  whom  they  lend  no  helping 
Hand,  but  on  them  cast  the  cold,  dark  shadow 
Of  contempt. 

SPIRIT. 

Thou  dost  call  them  Princes ; 
Are  they  descendants  of  a  nobler  race, 


Lessons  of  Life.  151 

Or  made  of  nobler  blood  than  others?     In 
Intellect,  or  powers  of  mind,  do  they 
Excel  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Appearances  are 

Most  deceitful.     The  tawdry  sunflower, 
Upon  its  high  and  branchless  stalk,  will  turn 
Itself  in  pride,  keeping  its  yellow  disk 
Looking  sunward   while  in  its  shadDvv  grows 
The  modest  violet,  or  fragrant  rose, 
Most  rare  and  beautiful.     The  noblest  ones 
Of  earth,  live  not  in  gilded  palaces, 
Nor  stand  they  high  in  the  great  world's  opinion. 
'Tis  on  earth's  surface  barren  rocks  are  seen, 
And  bleak  cold  mountains  lie —in  her  bosom, 
Silver  and  gold,  and  purest  ores  and  gems 
Of  priceless  value  lie  concealed.     These  men 
Are  shoddy  princes  !  from  obscurity 
They  sprung,  like  mushrooms  from  a  dung  hill.     Here 
Comes  one  !  his  paneled  carriage  drawn  by  well 
Groomed  horses,  driven  by  liveried  servants. 
How  like  a  Lord  he  seems, — looking  at  what 
He  is — not  what  he  was.     Can  you  believe. 


152  Lessons  of  Life. 

His  father  was  but  a  common  huckster, 

And  his  mother  a  vender  of  apples 

In  the  market?     Such  they  were, — a  thrifty 

Couple  on  whom  Dame  Fortune  smiled,  and  they 

Secured  a  competence.     This  son,  crafty, 

Shrewd,  unprincipled,  grew  up  to  manhood, 

Leading  a  shameful  life  of  idleness, 

And  dissipation.     Somehow,  or  other — 

Rumor  doth  not  tell — he  floated  into 

Politics;  a  wire-puller  soon  became, 

Leader  of  caucuses— of  cliques  and  rings  ; 

A  power  behind  the  throne,  obtaining 

For  himself  and  friends,  offices  yielding 

Perquisites  immense,  and  rich,  fat  contracts — 

Those  stupendous  frauds — whereby  the  city 

Was  defrauded,  and  he  enriched. 

This  self-made  man — and  that  he  made  himself 

There  is  no  doubt — is  now  a  millionaire, 

Drives  daily  to  his  club,  idling  his  time 

Away  with  men,  as  honest  as  himself. 

SPIRIT. 

Have  they  no  noble  purpose — 
No  great  end  in  view  ?     Powerful  and  rich, 


Lessons  of  Life.  153 

How  easily  could  they  strew  with  flowers 

The  pathway  of  the  poor,  pluck  thorns  from  hearts 

Most  deeply  lacerated — comfort  give 

To  widows  and  the  fatherless. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Thou  speakest  nonsense  ! 

Their  souls  are  bound,  as  the  Chinese  do  bind 
Their  feet  to  make  them  small,  and  when  old  age 
Comes  on,  the  heart  all  dried  and  shriveled  up, 
Is  but  a  lump  of  selfishness — a  piece 
Of  petrifaction,  harder  than  adamant. 
Searching,  scrambling  for  wealth  is  the  great  aim 
Of  life,  and  miser-like  they'll  hug  their  gold, 
Even  when  tottering  o'er  their  graves,  and  death 
Films  make  them  sightless.     Not  of  all  I  speak! 
For  there  are  those  —exceptions  to  the  rule — 
\Yho  at  the  Judgment-Seat,  will  hear  the  words, 
"  Well  done  thou  good  and  faithful  servant." 

SPIRIT. 

Have  these  most  selfish  men,  no  fear  of  death, 
Or  the  great  future  spreading  out  before 
Them,  like  a  vast,  trackless  ocean  ? 


i  54  Lessons  of  Life. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Yes  !  as  the  mariner  dreads 

The  typhoon,  so  they  dread  death — they  hate  it, 
As  nature  hates  a  vacuum.      Feeling 
Within  themselves  a  consciousness  of  life 
Immortal,  they  grasp  it,  as  a  drowning 
Man  a  straw,  foolishly  applying  it, — 
Not  to  the  soul,  but  to  its  frail,  earthy 
Tenement.     To  them,  the  thought  of  endless 
Life — of  infinite  eternity  on  earth, 
Is  most  delightful. — Oh  !  how  they  bask 
In  sunshine,  boasting  of  wealth  and  power; 
Hoarding  their  riches  as  the  miser  does 
His  gold,  and  for  a  little  time  rehearse 
The  parody  on  life — then  beggar-like 
They  die,  and  but  a  tomb  stone  tells  the  spot 
Where  lie  their  fleshless  bones;  soon  into  dust 
Even  this  marble  crumbles,  and  by  howling 
Winds  is  swept  away.     Friends  mourn  a  single 
Day,  clothing  themselves  in  sackcloth,  and  o'er 
Their  graves  will  drop  a  tear,  then  like  a  pack 
Of  hounds,  will  fight  and  squabble  for  a  share 
Of  the  estate. 


Lessons  of  Life.  155 

Grim  Death  to  all  will  come ! 
Surely  as  the  Winter's  frosts,  or  Summer's 
Heat.     The  little  cherub  boy,  with  head  all 
Covered  o'er  with  clustering  ringlets  ;  with  cheeks 
Crimsoned  with  purest  life-blood;  reclining 
On  his  mother's  lap,  his  simple  prayer 
Will  lisp — then  with  a  good  night  kiss  will  fall 
Sweetly  asleep,  dreaming  of  bright  angels 
Even  while  Death,  taking  the  form  of  croup, 
Noiselessly,  stealthily  appears  and  robs 
The  lovely  casket  of  its  bright,  jeweled 
Spirit.     The  full-grown  man,  most  perfectly 
Developed,  muscular  and  sinewy, 
May  boast  his  health  and  strength,  but  ere  the  words 
Have  fallen  from  his  lips,  Death  in  the  form 
Of  apoplexy  strikes  him  dead.     The  King 
Upon  his  throne  must  die,  as  in  the  street 
The  beggar.     As  naked  born,  so  naked 
Must  we  go  from  earth  and  be  forgotten. 
Death  is  a  leveler!     No  wise  distinctions 
Doth  he  make  of  caste,  or  color.     Mankind 
He  serves  alike,  and  if  on  one  he  fixes 
His  cold  eye,  that  man  will  die,  let  him  be 


156  Lessons  of  Life. 

Prince  or  beggar.     For  all,  he  hath  prepared 
A  common  bed,  and  side  by  side,  he  lays 
The  rich  man  with  the  poor — master  with  slave, 
And  o'er  them  throws  the  same  cold,  earthy 
Mantle. 

O,  Death  !  thou  art  insatiable  ! 
Thou  dost  come  in  war,  in  peace,  in  earthquakes, 
Lightnings,  storms  ;    in  pestilential  vapors, 
And  cooling  zephyrs.     Merciless,  bribeless, 
Pitiless — a  dreaded  vampire,  thou  dost 
Glut  thyself  with  victims,  and  still  remain 
Unsatisfied. 

SPIRIT. 

Thou  speakest  truly,  but  thy  words 
Are  full  of  sadness,  weighing  most  heavily 
On  my  spirit.      But  see  !  gathered  before 
Us,  a  thronging  multitude ;  canst  thou  tell 
Its  meaning  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

In  yonder  spacious  mansion  lies 
A  human  form,  lifeless  and  cold.     The  heart 
Throbs  not,  and  the  pulse  has  ceased  its  faintest 
Beating.     Within  the  veins  and  arteries, 


Lessons  of  Life.  157 

No  life-blood  flows,  for  like  the  rivulets 

Of  Spring  drank  up  by  the  parched  summer's  earth, 

So  it  has  vanished  ;  while  the  brain  wearied, 

And  faint,  has  given  up  unfinished,  its 

Life-engrossing  business.     The  man  is  dead  ! 

Within  a  gorgeous  casket,  embowered 

In  loveliest  flowers,  lie  the  remains 

Of  the  so-called — "  Merchant  Prince."     He  has  gone 

Naked  and  alone,  into  the  Spirit 

Land,  leaving  behind  his  vast  estates,  his 

Goods,  chattels,  lands,  stocks,  bonds  ;  his  gold  and  all 

That  could  be  gathered  up  in  that  short  space 

Of  time — that  moment  we  call-"  Life."  How  strange ! 

That  men  will  toil — and  rack  the  brain,  and  strain 

Their  heart-strings,  for  no  nobler  purpose  than 

To  gather  up  the  dross  of  earth.     The  dead 

To  earth  must  be  consigned,  and  friends  have  met 

Together,  to  perform  the  last,  sad  rite 

Of  burial — a  duty,  the  living 

Owe  the  dead.     Let  us  depart. 


SCENE  VI. 

THE   BATTERY. — EVENING. 
SPIRIT. 

In  every  form  God  seems  to  bless 
Mankind,  and  watches  them  as  tenderly, 
As  a  young  mother  does  her  first-born  babe. 
To-night  I  feel  His  presence,  for  I  see 
All  scattered  round  about  us,  His  handi- 
Works — expressions  of  His  love,  and  warmest 
Sympathy.     The  moon  shines  in  her  glory, 
And  smooth  as  glass,  the  waters  of  the  bay, 
Unrippled  by  the  cooling  breeze  wafted 
From  the  great  sea  beyond.     The  countless  stars, 
Like  eyes  of  Cherubim  and  Seraphim, 
Seem  smiling  on  us,  while  nature,  all  clothed 
In  queenly  majesty,  whispers  to  our 
Souls  the  words  of  peace  and  comfort. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Thou  speakest  truly  !     The  sun, 
The  moon,  the  countless  stars;  with  system  piled 


Lessons  of  Life.  159 

On  system,  and  far  beyond,  other  suns, 
And  other  systems — each  in  its  order, 
Like  clock-work  moving — are  but  exhibits 
Of  the  handiwork  of  the  Great  Infinite, 
Whose  love,  boundless  as  space  and  durable 
As  eternity,  we  all  experience. 

On  us,  and  on  our  race 
lie  scatters  blessings,  like  pearly  dew-drops 
On  the  parched  earth,  for  'tis  in  Him  we 
Live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being.      God  clothes, 
And  feeds  the  lily  of  the  field — teaches 
The  sparrow  how  to  build  its  nest,  and  rear 
Its  young,  and  to  everything  created, 
Animal,  and  vegetable,  He  gives 
The  most  exquisite  structure,  and  complete 
Organization.     On. all  space  we  see 
God's  footprints,  and  every  mind  bears  imprint 
Of  His  Divinity. 

'Tis  a  lovely  night ! 

Bright  and  beautiful  every  thing  appears, 
Viewed  from  this  quiet  spot.     Behind  us  lies 
This  giant  city,  seemingly  at  rest, 
But  full  of  life, — active  and  restl- 


160  Lessons  of  Life. 

SPIRIT. 

Why  do  men  labor  thus? 
Must  they  ever  toil — straining  their  sinews, 
And  racking  the  brain,  simply  to  obtain 
Earth's  comforts  and  necessities  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

On  promises,  or  sympathizing  words, 
Men  cannot  live.     'Tis  true,  the  arid  rock 
To  the  dry  moss  yields  nutriment,  but  men. 
Machine-made  slaves,  must  toil,  and  sweat,  and 

trudge, 

From  early  dawn,  to  night's  dark  hours,  simply 
To  wring  from  stony  hearts  of  their  tyrant 
Masters,  life's  bare  necessities ! 

Many  such  there  are  and  ever 
Will  be,  so  long  as  man's  inhumanity 
To  man  continues  ;  not  of  these  I  speak, 
But  of  the  masses  seen  in  our  crowded 
Thoroughfares,  and  theatres — in  the  haunts 
Of  vice,  and  dens  of  infamy.     'Tis  a  wild, 
Thoughtless  age,  of  gaming  and  extravagance. 
Men  blaspheme  God  !  they  worship  sordid  gold, 


Lessons  of  Life,  161 

Which  makes  them  selfish,  arrogant  and  bold  ; 

Gold  gives  position,  sanctifies  all  vice. 

Freezes  the  life-blood,  turns  the  heart  to  ice  ; 

Our  shoddy  princes,  neither  toil,  nor  till, 

But  spring  like  mushrooms,  from  the  foul  dunghill. 

SPIRIT. 

Men  blaspheme  God  !     Surely,  it  cannot  be! 
Methinks   the  avenging  Angel  would  have 
Struck  them  dead  ! 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

God's  ways,  are  not  as  our  ways, 
Nor  His  thoughts,  as  the  thoughts  of  man.     He 

strikes 

Not  dead  at  once  the  ruthless  villain,  who, 
In  cold  blood,  murders  the  sinless  infant, 
Or  who  robs  the  widow,  and  fatherless 
Of  their  rights.     Deceitful  above  all  things, 
Is  the  human  heart,  and  desperately 
Wicked,  but  of  this  thou  knowest  little. 
The  ministerial  robe  should  not  be  worn, 
To  cover  leprous  rags  of  sin-polluted 
Wretch,  or  'neath  its  folds,  conceal  a  moral 


1 62  Lessons  of  Life. 

Vagabond,  though  he  can  boast  a  giant's 
Intellect.     Mind  was  created  for  high 
And  noble  purposes,  but  when  depraved, 
'Twill  mask  itself  ofttimes  in  godliness, 
And  preach  most  holy  truths,  with  sin-polluted 
Lips.     Men  boast  their  love  of  country,  but  proud, 
Ambitious,  full  of  self-conceit,  will  act 
As  foolish,  as  did  the  Eastern  King,  who, 
Flushed  with  ambitious  pride,  proposed  to  strike 
The  head  from  Jupiter's  Statue,  and  place 
His  own  thereon. — Others  will  traitors  prove; 
For  gold,  will  sell  their  country — their  birthright. 
For  a  mess  of  pottage. 

Some  thrive  as  villains  thrive — by  deeds 
So  horrible  as  to  startle  nature, 
And  alarm  the  world.     Pride,  envy,  malice, 
Hate,  engender  stormy  passions — make  men 
Ambitious,  rash  and  insolent.     The  man, 
Who  casts  aside,  all  duty  and  allegiance, 
Distorting  truth,  and  trampling  on  all  law— 
Who  shackles  reason,  and  spurns  the  whisperings 
Of  his  conscience,  is  a  dangerous  traitor, 
Wedded  to  his  shame ;  ever  should  he  be 


Lessons  of  Life.  163 

A  mark  of  scorn,  the  world's  derision  ;  while 
The  stings  of  conscience,  and  bitter  curses 
Of  mankind,  should  make  life  hateful  to  him. 

'Twas  but  last  evening, 

In  spacious  hall,  crowded  with  old  and  young, 
The  thoughtless  and  the  gay,  a  learned  man, 
Ranking  high  among  his  fellows ;  with  gifts 
Rich  and  exhaustless ;  with  eloquence  bold 
And  persuasive,  and  with  an  oily  tongue, 
Did  willfully  declare — "  there  is  no  God  ! 
No  Judgment!  no  Immortal  Life!"     Boldly, 
He  scoffed  at  sacred  things — blasphemed  the  name 
Of  the  Almighty,  and  in  sarcastic, 
And  defiant  tones,  cast  base  ridicule, 
And  low  contempt  on  God's  most  Holy  Word. 

Like  some  destroying  plague, 
Which  carries  in  its  train  both  misery 
And  death,  so  were  his  words  most  contagious, 
And  poisonous  to  the  vast  crowd  before 
Him,  who  by  applause  and  encores  oft  made, 
Manifested  their  approval.     O  Shame  ! 
Shame  ! — God  might  then  have  hurled  a  thunder 
bolt, 


164  Lessons  of  Life. 

And  struck  them  dead,  or  the  arm  have  palsied 
And  tongue  have  withered,  of  this  rash  and  bold 
Blasphemer.     Not  so  however !  sunlight 
Still,  He  throws  athwart  his  pathway,  gives  him 
Health  and  strength,  feeds  and  clothes  his  little  ones, 
And  blessings  without  number  showers  upon 
Him.     Thus,  He  may  continue,  permitting 
This  most  ungrateful  wretch,  to  pile  up  wrath 
Against  the  day  of  wrath. 

SPIRIT. 

'Tis  terrible  to  contemplate  ! 
This  vile  scoffer  of  sacred  things,  whose  breath 
Is  in  his  nostrils,  and  who  with  scornful 
Steps,  doth  tread  the  path  of  life — standing  with 
Duty  and  with  Deity,  in  reckless, 
Bold  defiance,  must  surely  know  that  God 
Exists,  and  feel  within  himself  Immortal 
Life.     Can  he  honestly  doubt  it  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

God  made  the  mind 
To  think,  and  will,  and  reason — on  it  stamped 


Lessons  of  Life.  165 

Some  Great  First  Truths,  foundation  of  all  our 
Reasoning.      Is  it  not  true,  that  every 
Event  must  have  a  cause — one  adequate 
To  the  effect?  and  in  vast  Nature's  works, 
Should  we  not  infer  the  intelligence, 
The  powers  and  attributes  of  the  First 
Great  Cause  ?     By  laws  fixed  and  uniform,  all 
Natural  things  are  governed.     There,  out  upon 
The  water,  onward  so  swiftly  gliding, 
Is  a  Steamship  driven  by  machinery 
Most  complicated — made,  and  designed  by 
Man.     See  its  changing  course!  moving  hither 
And  thither,  'mong  the  great  fleet  of  anchored 
Vessels,  and  without  colliding,  passes  • 
Them.     At  the  helm,  a  pilot  stands,  skilful 
And  intelligent — his  will  and  judgment 
Directs  her  course. 

Thus,  was  perfected  and  designed, 
The  more  complicated  machinery 
Of  the  universe;  planets  and  system^ 
Put  in  motion,  and  guided  in  their  course, 
By  a  mind  designing,  and  intelligent — 
One  infinite  in  wisdom,  boundless  in 


1 66  Lessons  of  Life. 

Power — self-existent  and  eternal. 

In  the  exquisite  structure  of  my  frame, 

Should  I  not  see  the  power  and  wisdom 

Of  my  Creator?     Who  gave  it  the  form, 

So  well  adapted  for  its  purposes, 

Or  caused  the  heart  to  beat,  driving  the  life- 

Blood  through  the  veins  and  arteries?     Who  made 

The  air,  the  light,  the  elements  of  sight 

And  sound,  fitted,  and  so  well  adapted 

To  the  organs  of  this  human  frame-work? 

Who  framed  the  economy  of  actual 

Things — gave  Seasons  their  great  variety, 

Heaven  its  glorious  concave  studded 

With  its  shining  stars,  back  of  which,  in  space 

Fathomless  and  unknown,  are  myriads 

Of  other  stars  and  systems  of  the  first 

Magnitude?     Who,  but  a  real — living 

Architect,  whose  many  works,  so  beauteous 

And  beneficial,  prove  Him  not  only 

Skillful  and  intelligent,  but  also 

Good,  merciful  and  kind.     Man  has  within 

Himself  a  monitor — 'tis  conscience!  which 

Forces  upon  him  the  strong  conviction 


Lessons  of  Life,  167 

Of  a  God,  and  beyond  the  grave,  a  life 
Immortal,  and  eternal. 

Bewildered  in  their  sophistries, 
The  Atheist,  and  Casuist  may  scoff 
And  ridicule — it  matters  not !  reason 
And  conscience — the  small  voice  within — gives 
The  lie  to  their  senseless  speculations. 
'Tis  true,  our  faculties  are  limited  ; 
Except  from  Revelation,  as  little 
Do  we  know  of  life  beyond,  as  the  unborn 
Infant  in  its  mother's  womb,  knows  of  the 
Present  world.     The  soul  confined,  and  fettered 
In  its  tenement  of  clay,  sees  only 
Objects  external,  but  nothing  discerns 
In  the  great  Spirit  Land.     In  His  Holy 
Word,  God  has  revealed  some  truths  mysterious. 
And  most  precious.     But  the  night  advances  ; 
Let  us  retire. 


SCENE  VII. 

GREENWOOD    CEMETERY. — AFTERNOON. 
SPIRIT. 

How  like  some  fairy  dream-land 
Does  this  place  appear,  peaceful  and  lovely. 
The  birds,  how  joyfully  they  sing  !  how  sweet 
The  ripples  of  the  little  streams,  running 
From  bubbling  fountains — the  air,  how  fragrant ! 
Zephyrs  are  playing  'mong  the  forest  trees 
Which  cast  their  shadows  everywhere,  making 
It  most  delightful.     But  see  the  winding 
Paths ;  these  marble  spires  ;  these  domes  and 

sculptured 

Statuary,  towering  sky-ward — mirror- 
Like,  reflecting  back  the  sun-rays.      Tell  me, 
Are  these  the  relics  of  the  past? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

'Tis  indeed  a  peaceful  place — 
This  great  City  of  the  Dead.     The  empty 
Turmoil  of  the  busy  world — the  jarring 
Sounds  of  human  strife,  and  vices  hideous 


Lessons  of  Life.  169 

To  behold,  come  not  to  this  sacred  spot, 

For  'tis  enchanted  ground.     Here,  oft  I  come 

When  vexed  and  wearied  with  the  cares  of  life, 

And  'mid  these  slopes  and  new-made  graves,  covered 

With  moss  and  flowers,  sprinkled  and  kept  fresh 

By  the  mist-like  spray  of  living  fountains, 

My  soul  is  hushed  to  peace,  and  my  spirit 

Harmonizes  with  the  soft,  sweet  music 

Of  the  little  songsters,  rippling  brooklets, 

And  sighing  zephyrs.     Here  close  communion 

Doth  my  spirit  hold,  with  the  dear  Saviour 

Who  did  say  "  Lo !  I  am  with  you  always  ;  " 

And  then  again,  the  presence  of  those  loved 

Ones  gone  before,  I  seem  to  realize, 

And  my  wrapt  soul  seems  vanishing  from  earth 

Into  the  spirit-land.     Ofttimes  my  heart 

Turns  back  upon  itself,  and  I  review 

My  life  from  childhood  up.     My  mother's  smile 

When  first  I  lisped  the  little  prayer  she  taught, 

1  Icr  loving  precepts  in  my  boyhood  days, 

Upon  my  soul  are  photographed. 

How  pure 
And  innocent  is  childhood,  when  nurtured, 


170  Lessons  of  Life. 

And  rightly  guided  by  a  mother's  love, 

And  by  a  mother's  prayers.     These  I  enjoyed, 

And  by  them  have  been  blessed.     To  a  good  old 

Age  my  mother  lived,  doing  her  Master's 

Will,  and  when  she  died,  here,  in  this  hallowed 

Spot  we  buried  her.     In  this  silent  grave 

Her  ashes  sleep,  but  her  spirit  is  with 

The  just  made  perfect.     Some  one  has  written, 

"  It  must  be  sweet  in  childhood,  to  give  back 

The  spirit  to  its  Maker,  ere  the  heart 

Hath  grown  familiar  with  the  paths  of  sin. 

And  sown  to  garner  up  its  bitter  fruits." 

'Tis  true!  but  how  much  sweeter  'tis  to  die, 

And  give  one's  spirit  to  its  Author  back, 

When  life's  great  work,  for  which  it  was  designed 

Has  been  accomplished.     The  aged  Christian, 

Who  for  three  score  years  and  ten,  has  battled 

For  his  Master,  avoiding  sinful  paths, 

And  garnering  up  most  precious  fruits  from  plants 

Transplanted — who  has  lived  an  active  life 

In  doing  good  to  others  ;  giving  bread 

To  starving  thousands — to  the  afflicted 

A  sympathizing  heart ;  Oh  !  such  an  one, 


Lessons  of  Life.  \  j  \ 

Matured  in  holiness,  and  strong  in  faith, 

Will  in  his  dying  moments,  hear  the  voice — 

The  still  small  voice,  whispering  in  his  ear, 

"  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant  ;  "  he 

Will  see  a  crown  of  glory — the  Victor's 

Crown  suspended  o'er  his  head,  and  Angels, 

All  clothed  in  spotless  white,  waiting  to  waft 

Him  to  the  skies.     The  good  man  dies,  and  falls 

Asleep  in  Jesus.     To  the  memory 

Of  the  departed,  these  shrines  and  marble 

Slabs,  sculptured  and  engraved,  have  been  by  friends 

Erected,  while  the  graves  from  time  to  time, 

With  rare  flowers  are  strewn,  fragrant  and  fresh. 

SPIRIT. 

Do  disembodied  spirits  visit  earth, 
Mingling  with  those  who  were  their  relatives 
And  friends  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

It  may  be  so ; 

But  the  great  secrets  of  the  Spirit  World, 
Are  not  to  mortal  eye  revealed.     We  know 
All  that  is  good  for  man  to  know — that  God 
Kxists,  and  fills  immensity  of  sp;uv  : 


1 72  Lessons  of  Life. 

That  spirits  from  cherubim  to  lowest 

Angel,  are  but  ministering  servants, 

Sent  forth  on  special  missions  to  perform 

His  will.     Would  it  then  be  strange,  that  He,  Who 

Feeds  the  sparrows — the  lilies  clothes,  and  counts 

Our  silvery  hairs,  should  now  and  then,  permit 

The  dear  departed  ones  to  visit  earth, 

Whispering  in  our  hearts  sweet  messages 

Of  love,  and  with  their  presence  encircling 

Us,  as  the  rainbow  girdles  earth  ?     'Tis  sweet, 

Here  in  my  favorite  bower  to  sit 

Close  by  my  mother's  grave,  for  here,  I've  felt 

Her  presence,  and  her  arms  of  love  were  'twined 

About  me,  while  the  maternal  kiss  seemed 

Pressed  upon  my  cheek,  as  when  a  babe. 

SPIRIT. 

Perhaps  a  dream  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Dreams  are  a  mystery  ! 
I  have  read  of  those,  who,  obedient 
To  the  mysterious  guidance  of  their 
Dreams,  have  the  walls  of  old  ruins  clambered, 


Lessons  of  Life.  173 

Footing  found  along  the  edge  of  unguarded 
Battlements,  forded  streams,  yes,  clambered 
Dizzy  heights,  and  then  with  fixed,  unseeing 
Eyes  to  their  beds  return  unharmed.     I  am 
No  sceptic  !  but  how  the  mind  can  thus  sway 
And  guide  the  body,  blindfolded,  cannot 
Be  explained.     No  !  I  was  not  dreaming,  but 
I  seemed  enraptured,  or  entranced.     It  was 
Mind  acting  on  mind  ;  spirit  communing 
With  spirit ;  the  disinthralled  and  sinless, 
Sympathizing  with  a  soul  in  fetters. 
With  mine  eyes  wide,  staring  open,  gazing 
Into  space,  Oh  !  how  I  tried  but  a  glimpse 
To  catch  of  her  ethereal  form,  but  could 
Not — that  was  not  permitted. 

SPIRIT. 

Most  strange,  and  wonderful  it  is !  You  must 
Have  loved  your  mother  ? 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Loved  !  I  idolized — yea,  almost 
Worshiped  her.     Pure,  loving,  truthful,  she  was 

A  model  of  her  sex — of  womanhood 
L 


174  Lessons  of  Life. 

My  ideal.     I  but  returned  the  love 
Bestowed  on  me.     It  was  her  strong  desire 
To  make  her  boy  a  preacher  of  God's  word, 
And  a  fit  instrument  for  doing  good 
Among  his  fellow  men.     For  this,  she  prayed 
And  labored.     From  school  I  entered  College, 
And  having  with  high  honors  graduated, 
I  studied  for  the  ministry — was  then 
Ordained,  and  for  forty  years  have  I  preached 
The  everlasting  gospel,  which  I  trust 
Has  not  been  all  in  vain.     A  few  years  more 
Will  end  my  stewardship.     But  come  !  yonder 
Is  a  plot,  which  tells  a   fearful  tale — wouldst 
Visit  it,  and  hear  the  tragic  story? 

SPIRIT 

Is  it  of  one,  who, 

Like  a  crushed,  faded  blossom,  aside  was 
Cast  as  worthless  ?  or  of  one,  who,  o'ercome 
By  some  great  calamity,  died  broken- 
Hearted  ?     Let  us  go  at  once,  and  let  me 
Hear  what  thou  wouldst  say  of  human 
Suffering. 


Lessons  of  Life.  175 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

Man's  folly  is  proverbial !    'How  full 

Of  human  blunders,  ignorance  and  crime 

Is  the  historic  page  !     Besmeared  with  blood, 

It  tells  of  mad  ambition,  grasping  avarice, 

And  venal  lust — of  gold,  the  shining  ore 

For  which  men  pledge  their  souls —of  cruel  war 

With  all  its  sick'ning  horrors— of  griping 

Want,  and  swollen  gluttony.     It  recounts 

What  tyranny  has  done  by  dungeons,  racks, 

And  tortures  ;  so  terrible,  as  to  freeze 

The  blood  within  our  veins,  and  stop  the  heart's 

Pulsations — of  bloody  persecutions, 

Whereby  with  human  gore  the  very  streest 

Were  flooded,  when  old  and  young,  like  yellow 

Leaves  from  trees  did  fall — victims  of  the  hour. 

Of  these  I  speak  not ;  nor  shall  I  tell 
Of  pestilence  and  famine,  which  stalketh 
Forth  at  noon-day,  dragging  countless  victims 
In  their  train — nor  of  the  fierce  tornado, 
Fearful  earthquakes,  or  ravenous  sea,  which 
At  times,  fiend -like  will  swallow  up  those 
Resting  on  her  bosom.     Thou  hast  seen  fire? 


176  Lessons  of  Life. 

A  blessing,  and  a  comfort  to  our  race 

When  kept  in  proper  bounds  and  well  controlled. 

Warmth  it  gives,  and  sustenance — generates 

The  steam  which  propels  our  ocean  steamships — 

Which  drives  huge  trains  of  freight  o'er  our  iron 

Roads  with  lightning  speed,  and  in  motion  sets 

The  complicated  machinery  of  our 

Workshops.     Once  let  loose,  like  human  passions, 

It  becomes  frightful  and  destructive. 

In  this  great  "  City  of  Churches," 
There  was  erected  a  massive  building, 
To  the  Drama  dedicated.     Modern 
In  style  and  architecture,  it  was  built 
With  circles,  galleries,  parquet,  and  with 
An  orchestra  whence  issued  most  joyous 
Music,  sweet  and  harmonious.     The  stage, 
On  which  the  Actors  played  their  parts,  covered 
All  o'er  with  scenes,  draped  and  festooned,  appeared 
When  lighted  up  with  brilliant  gas  lights,  like 
Pictures  in  fairy  land.     Lovely  it  looked, 
One  evening — seems  but  yesterday  ; — the  house 
Well  filled  with  gay  and  thoughtless  ones,  with  old 
Arid  young,  seemed  "  Pleasure's  Temple,"  for  here  sat 


Lessons  of  Life.  177 

Side  by  side,  parents  and  children,  brother 
And  sister,  lover  and  maid  seemingly 
Entranced,  as  in  wonder  they  gazed  on  scenes 
And  actors,  or  listened  to  sweetest  strains 
Of  music. 

Little  thought 

This  vast  assembly,  that  Death  had  stalked 
With  them  in  by  the  open  door,  ready 
Stood  to  play  his  part  in  the  great  drama 
Of  "  The  Two  Orphans."     The  play  proceeded  ! 
In  the  last  intended  act,  the  curtain 
Had  just  been  raised,  when  Death,  like  an  arrant 
Knave,  stealthily  and  unseen  breathed  upon 
A  jet  light,  driving  its  flickering  flame 
Upon  a  drop  scene,  along  which,  creeping 
In  silence,  it  leaped  boldly  on  festooned 
Drapery,  throwing  out  its  red-forked  tongues 
Of  fire,  like  hissing  serpents.     One  moment 
Only,  and  the  red,  lurid  flames  burst  forth 
In  one  great  mass  of  fire,  unquenchable 
And  resistless.     Then  came  another  wave 
Of  black,  dense  smoke,  rising  from  pit  to  dome ; 
Shut  in  by  high,  strong  walls,  it  filled  the  house 


i/8  Lessons  of  Life. 

With  hot,  sulphureous  air,  and  vapors 

Most  obnoxious.     Here,  there,  and  everywhere, 

Flitting  shadows  could  be  seen  of  half-crazed 

Men,  fainting  women,  and  frightened  children, 

Jostling,  crowding,  crushing,  each  the  other, 

As  shrieking  and  panic-stricken,  they  rushed 

Headlong  towards  the  exit.     Others  hurried 

To  and  fro,  crying  for  help,  but  no  one 

Heeded.     It  was  a  race  for  life  !  each  one 

Must  save  himself,  and  the  hot  brain  was  racked 

Till  it  became  delirious.     And  still 

The  fire  most  pitiless  did  rage,  darting 

Its  bright,  burnished  fangs  into  the  faces 

Of  its  victims,  gasping  and  suffocated 

From  the  smoke  compressed.     Nothing  could  avail  ! 

And  the  great  surging  mass  of  human  life, 

Together  went  through  the  broken  flooring, 

Down  into  one  common  grave.     Three  hundred, 

Moth-like  perished. 

O  Death  !  how  merciless 
Thou  art!  thou  didst  stand  a  cold  skeleton, 
Heartless,  fleshless,  bloodless,  gazing  upon 
The  work  of  thine  own  hand — upon  this  heap 


Lessons  of  Life.  179 

Of  mangled,  torn,  and  scorched  humanity. 
More  cruel  art  thou  than  the  Emperor 
Solyman,  the  heartless  Turk,  who  killed  his 
Favorite  in  his  sleep,  lest  pain  he  should 
Inflict.     Why  not  come,  and  take  life  gently. 
As  do  the  Egyptains,  who,  criminals 
Destroy  by  asps — charming  into  quiet 
Sleep  their  senses  ? 

Into  ruins,  crumbled 

This  great  fabric  man  had  reared,  and  from  its 
Smouldering  embers,  forth  were  borne,  the  charred 
Remains  of  many  victims.     In  this  spot, 
Fourscore  and  ten  were  buried  !    Here  they  rest, 
In  one  great,  common  grave. 
SPIRIT. 

Thy  words  are  heart-rending. 
I  do  not  envy  man,  nor  his  estate, 
For  Death  like  spectral  shadow,  seems  ever 
On  his  track. 

DR.  WISEMAN. 

True,  all  must  die! 

But  when,  or  how,  we  know  not,  for  Death  comes 
As  doth  a  thief,  and  takes  us  unawares. 


i8o  Lessons  of  Life. 

The  great  curse,  "  Thou  shalt  surely  die"  man  brought 

Upon  himself  by  wilful  disobedience. 

God  perfect  is  !  sinless  and  pure  !  and  so 

Was  man ;  but  when  temptation  came  he  fell, 

And  scattered  evils,  thickly  as  shells  on 

Ocean's  sands.     Since  it  must  come,  it  matters 

Little  when  we  die,  if  but  prepared.     Dust 

Unto  dust  returns,  but  the  Spirit  unto 

God  who  gave  it.     Death  loosens  the  silver 

Cord — breaks  the  golden  bowl — into  pieces 

Dashes  the  crystal  urn.     Like  the  pitcher 

Broken  at  the  fountain,  or  wheel  broken 

At  the  cistern,  so  our  frail  bodies, 

Worthless  are  cast  aside.     What  matters  it ! 

The  soul  unfettered  will  go  up  to  God 

Pure  as  a  snow-flake,  and  bright  as  evening 

Star,  will  shine  forever  and  forever. 


IN   MEMORIAM. 


IN    MEMORIAM. 


Life  is  most  mysterious  ! 

What  makes  the  heart  to  throb — the  pulse  to  beat, 
And  through  the  system  drives  the  warm  life-blood, 
Thence  to  the  heart  returns  it  ?     What  power 
Invisible  starts  this  human  time-piece, 
So  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made  ? 
Whence  comes  the  breath  that  makes  the  living- 
soul— 

A  soul,  immortal  and  unchangeable  ? 
'Tis  not  by  chance! 

The  same  Almighty  Power  that  fixed  the  laws, 
Absolute  and  eternal,  which  govern 
All  shining  worlds  and  countless  stars,  which  has 
Thickly  strewn  infinity  with  grandeur, 
(.'n-.ited  man — the  noblest  work  of  God  ! 

I  K-ath,  too,  is  most  mysterious! 
What  is  death?     Is  it  a  famished  Vampin  . 
A  Spirit  Fiend.  lu-;irtle^s  and  invisible. 


1 84  In  Memoriam. 

Which  comes  and  goes  at  will,  as  blood-hounds 
Go,  scenting  the  tracks  of  frightened  victims  ? 
Will  seize  a  King  sitting  upon  his  throne, 
Or  beggar  in  the  street,  and  to  the  same 
Cold  grave  consign  them — crush  the  fair  maiden 
Sauntering  'mong  the  flowers,  or  can  kill 
The  infant,  innocent  and  beautiful, 
While  smiling  in  his  very  face  ?     No,  no  ! 
This  mysterious  something  we  call  Death, 
Is  but  the  hand  of  God — of  Him,  whose  great 
Omniscient  eye  gazes  far  down  into 
The  dark  future,  and  doeth  all  things  well. 
Grieve  not,  O  mother !  for  thy  cherub  boy, 
Whose  cheek  crimsoned  with  purest  life-blood, 
And  whose  head  covered  all  o'er  with  clustering 
Ringlets,  was  laid  gently  upon  thy  bosom, 
As  lisping  his  simple  prayer,  he  quickly 
Fell  asleep,  dreaming  of  white-robed  Angels, 
Even  while  Death  taking  the  form  of  croup, 
Noiselessly,  stealthily  appeared,  and  from 
The  lovely  casket,  took  the  bright  jeweled 
Spirit.     Grieve  not !  for  its  brief  work  was  done, 
And  thus  unfettered,  it  went  up  to  God 


In  Memoriam.  185 

Pure  as  a  snow-flake,  and  bright  as  Evening 
Star,  will  shine  forever  and  forever. 

Who  has  not  lost  a  friend  ? 
Or  standing  o'er  the  cold  and  silent  grave, 
Has  not  watered  it  with  gushing,  scalding 
Tears,  as  memories  of  the  past,  crowded 
The  burdened  mind  ?     A  few  days  since — but 

yesterday, 

We  performed  the  last  sad  rite  the  living 
Owe  the  dead — the  burial  of  our  Father. 

Among  the  masses  of  mankind, 
There  have  in  every  age  been  found,  good  men, 
Whose  characters  like  burnished  gold,  have  shone 
Spotless  and  pure.     Generous,  unselfish, 
Full  of  faith  and  holy  love,  they  have  lived 
Not  for  themselves,  but  to  promote  the  good 
Of  others,  and  magnify  the  Great  Name 
Of  Him  who  governs  all.     Like  oases 
In  a  barren  desert,  so  in  the  moral 
World,  where  everything  seems  scorched,  and 

shriveled 

Up  by  sin,  such  characters  look  fruitful 
And  most  refreshing.     Unknown,  unhonored 


1 86  In  Memoriam. 

They  may  be — on  history's  page  their  names  may 
Not  be  written — it  matters  not !  for  in 
The  great  Book  of  Life,  they  are  enrolled. 

Such  was  our  father  ! 
Venerable  in  years,  rich  in  experience, 
Strong  in  faith,  and  with  a  heart  most  loving 
And  sympathetic,  he  dwelt  among  us 
Encircled  by  God's  presence,  as  rainbow 
Girdles  earth. 

His  life  went  out,  as  day  ofttimes  departs 
In  glorious  sunset,  leaving  all  earthly 
Things  arrayed  in  glory — adorned  with  tints 
Of  purple,  crimson,  and  of  gold.     Upon 
Its  mother's  bosom,  the  tender  infant 
Nursed,  petted  and  caressed,  will  smile  and  fall 
Asleep  in  happy  innocence  ;  and  thus 
This  aged  man,  strong  in  his  faith,  and  full 
Of  love  and  holy  zeal,  did  breathe  his  last, 
And  without  suffering  or  pain,  sweetly 
Did  fall  asleep  in  Jesus. 

As  forest  leaves  about  to  die, 
Put  on  their  loveliest  hues,  thus  did  he  die, 
With  crest,  and  coat  of  arms  upon  his  heart 


In  Memoriam.  187 

And  conscience  stamped,  while  on  his  brow  appeared 

The  imprint  of  nobility.     In  light, 

And  glory,  as  the  old  year  went  to  its 

Grave,  with  all  the  autumnal  glories 

In  its  train,  so  passed  he  away — not  bound 

An  unwilling  captive,  to  the  chariot 

Wheel  of  the  all  conquering  Death,  but  went 

In  a  triumphal  march,  with  victory 

Perched  upon  his  banner,  and  to  his  Soul's 

Coronation. 

Four  thousand  times  an  hour,  for  ninety,  and  three 

Years,  his  faithful  heart,  night  and  day  had  throbbed, 

Keeping  in  motion  the  current  of  his 

Life  blood ;  but  his  work  was  done,  and  on  God's 

Holy  day,  at  early  dawn,  he  rested 

From  his  labors.     Rest  thee,  our  father  ! 

While  the  frail  body  crumbles  into  dust, 

The  soul  immortal  has  gone  up  to  God, 

With  powers  well  suited  for  the  spirit  world. 


*  Mr.  Elisha  Bliss,  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  ninety-three  years  of  age,  and 
with  one  exception,  the  oldest  male  resident  of  that  city,  died  on  Sunday 
morning,  January  2,  1881.  There  had  been  a  gathering  of  his  children 
anil  grand  children  on  New  Year's,  night,  and  he  had  seemingly 
enjoyed  himself  very  much,  taking  an  active  part  in  the  social  exercises 
and  amusement!  <>t  the  evening,  Kidding  all  good  night,  In- 
' 


about  10  o'clock.  He  was  found  dead  in  his  bed  the  next  morning,  lying 
in  hi-.  u-.ii.ii  position  and  with  the  bed-clothing  undisturbed.  His  lanipof 
life  had  gone  out,  even  without  fhrkeiing. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


THE  MISER'S  FATE. 


The  Miser  entered  his  vile  abode, 
Placed  the  cross-bar  on  the  door, 
Examined  the  locks — examined  the  bolts, 
"  All  safe,"  as  ever  before. 

No  sunlight,  or  moonlight,  or  starlight, 
Entered  that  darkened  cell ; 
But  he  lit  his  two-penny  candle, 
Like  a  watchman,  saying  "  all's  well !" 

Then  went  he  to  one  of  the  corners  ; 
A  corner  under  his  cot, 
In  the  floor,  a  secret  door  opened, 
A  door  he  never  forgot. 


1 92  Miscellaneous. 

His  treasures  of  gold,  and  of  silver, 
Upon  the  table  he  laid, 
All  faded  with  age  and  covered  with  mould, 
A  huge,  massive  pile  they  made. 

Thirsty,  and  supperless,  down  he  sat, 
And  spread  out  his  hoarded  store, 
He  counted  it  once — he  counted  it  twice, 
Three  times  he  counted  it  o'er. 

'Twas  a  terrible  night !  so  frosty  and  cold, 

The  wind  most  viciously  blew, 

It  rocked  the  old  hovel,  rushed  through  the  cracks, 

It  chilled  him  through,  and  through. 

Still  colder  it  grew !  the  mercury  fell 
Some  twenty  degrees  below  ; 
No  fire  on  his  hearth  !  no  fuel !  no  food  ! 
Through  each  crevice  sifted  the  snow. 

He  laid  himself  down  on  his  coverless  bed, 
And  clasped  to  his  chilly  breast, 
The  God  of  his  heart — his  silver  and  gold, 
And  sank  to  his  cheerless  rest. 


Miscellaneous.  193 

Did  they  give  him  warmth  ?  those  golden  coins, 
Did  they  thaw  out  his  freezing  veins  ? 
Did  they  nourish,  and  strengthen  the  physical  man  ^ 
Did  they  soothe  and  lessen  his  pains  ? 

This  man  of  rags — unshaven,  unshorn, 
Next  day  was  found  on  his  bed, 
With  a  smile  on  his  face,  a  ghastly  smile — 
Still  hugging  his  idols — but  dead. 

Enshrouded  in  gold,  he  lay  "in  state," 
There  was  gold  behind  and  before, 
There  was  gold  at  his  head,  and  gold  at  his  feet, 
To  be  counted  by  him — nevermore  ! 

A  spectral  burglar  had  entered  the  door, 
'Mid  the  storm,  and  hurricane's  breath, 
And  stole,  not  the  gold,  but  the  life,  and  the  soul 
Of  the  wretch — that  burglar  was  Death. 


A  MIDNIGHT  TRAGEDY. 


Brutes  know  their  foes  by  instinct,  and  if  one 
Approaches,  they  will  fly,  or  brace  themselves 
For  battle.     The  wren,  the  most  diminutive 
Of  all  the  feathered  tribe,  seeing  a  bird 
Of  prey,  will  in  some  darkened  corner,  or 
In  some  quiet  nook,  its-  young  secrete,  and 
If  there  attacked — will  to  the  last  defend 
Them.     The  mother-fowl,  instinctively  broods 
Her  little  ones,  and  with  her  body  makes 
A  breast-work  for  their  safety,  ere  the  hawk, 
Poising  himself  in  mid  air,  and  swooping 
Down  can  reach  them.     The  feeblest  worm  that 

crawls 

If  trodden  on,  turns  on  its  foe  and  seeks 
Revenge.     Can  man  do  less?     If  ignobly 
Wronged,  he  will  be  avenged  let  come  what  may 
And  if  assaulted,  will  himself  defend, 
Though  he  take  life  in  doing  it. 


Miscellaneous.  195 

The  sun  had  set. — The  shades  of  night 
Were  densely  gathering,  when  I,  a  wearied 
Traveler,  stopped  at  a  village  inn,  in  the 
Far  West.     'Twas  in  the  month  of  August,  hot 
And  sultry  day,  and  not  a  breath  of  air 
To  fan  my  feverish  brain,  as  dust  covered 
I  alighted  from  my  horse,  and  gave  my 
Orders — both  for  man  and  beast.     It  was 
A  quiet  house  ;  the  landlord,  thoughtful  man, 
Bestirred  himself  to  do  my  bidding. 

'Tis  true,  some  idlers 

Could  be  seen,  lounging  about  the  bar-room— 
Rough-looking  men,  who  with  a  smack  drank  down 
Vile  whiskey,  keeping  however,  an  eye 
Upon  the  stranger  as  if  bent  on  mischief. 

I  retired  to  rest. 

And,  wearied  as  I  was,  soon  fell  asleep ; 
Not  soundly  did  I  sleep,  for  nervousness 
Had  made  me  restless.     Soon  midnight  came, — dead 
Hour  when  good  men  arc  at  rest,  but  ruffians 
Are  abroad  ;  when  fiends  do  yell,  and  crimes 
A  iv  i>er[K-tr.ite<l.     Little  did  I  dream 
That  oven  then,  one  of  the  lowest  class. 


196  Miscellaneous. 

A  most  inhuman  wretch  !  assassin-like — 
Armed  to  the  teeth,  was  slyly  creeping  in 
Upon  me  !     Stealthily  he  came,  and  in 
My  flesh  his  poisoned  fangs  he  thrust,  and  with 
Gluttonous  appetite — cannibal-like  was 
Drinking  up  the  life-blood  of  my  being, 
And  I  woke  up  in  agony.     Oh !  how 
I  started  up — went  bounding  out  of  bed 
After  my  murderous  foe,  and  having  struck 
A  light,  I  pressed  him  hotly,  — to  the  wall 
I  drove  him,  and  obtained  revenge.     I  killed 
Him  there  ! — the  villainous  mosquito. 


WESTMINSTER. 


READ  AT  THE  FIFTH  ANNIVERSARY  OF  WESTMINSTER  CHURCH,  BLOOM- 
FIELD,  N.  J.,  HAVING  BEEN  ORGANIZED  BY  CERTAIN  MEMBERS, 
WHO  WITHDREW  FOR  THAT  PURPOSE  FROM  THE  FIRST  PRESBY 
TERIAN  CHURCH. 


Once  on  a  time,  within  my  garden  wall, 

In  a  quiet  nook,  where  light  and  dew  did  fall, 

I  had  transplanted  with  the  greatest  care 

A  little  tiny  twig — valued,  and  rare ; 

No  tender  infant  at  its  mother's  breast, 

With  careful  nursing,  could  have  been  more  blest ; 

But  yet,  its  fresh  leaves  drooped — and  at  my  feet, 

Alone,  in  solitude  it  seemed  to  weep. 

I  knew  it  would  not  die — that  cherished  flower — 

For  it  was  watered  by  an  April  shower ; 

Refreshed,  revived,  it  raised  its  drooping  head, 

And  kissed  the  sunbeams  playing  round  the  bed. 

From  this  time  on,  as  if  by  magic  power, 

It  grew  in  strength — in  beauty  every  hour; 

With  pridr  I  pruned  its  branches,  shaped  its  form, 

Strengthened  its  roots,  secured  it  from  the  storm. 


198  Miscellaneous. 

Five  years  had  passed  ! — the  twig  was  then  a  tree, 
Mere  sapling  it  is  true,  but  I  could  see 
Choice  fruit  suspended,  which  a  lesson  taught  ; 
Our  lives  should  active  be— -with  good  works  fraught. 
Wide  are  its  branches  now,  its  roots  are  deep, 
A  refuge  from  the  storm — from  Summer's  heat ; 
Rich  in  its  fruits,  with  pleasure  I  recall 
This  dear  old  tree,  beside  the  garden  wall. 

Once  on  a  time,  near  by  our  village  green, 
A  neat  and  rustic  chapel  could  be  seen, 
In  a  quiet  nook,  'mid  the  sunbeams  fair, 
Our  infant  church  has  been  transplanted  there. 
This  beauteous  flower  from  its  mother's  breast 
So  gently  had  we  plucked,  it  seemed  at  rest ; 
This  Heavenly  plant,  with  zealous  care  and  fears, 
Nourished  in  love,  we  watered  with  our  tears ; 
Around  our  hearts,  its  tendrils  it  did  twine, 
In  strength  and  beauty  grew  this  fruitful  vine  ; 
First,  blossoms  came,  then  purple  fruit  it  bore. 
By  careful  pruning  it  produced  the  more. 

Five  years  have  passed  !     This  infant  church  is  now 
A  tower  of  strength,  and  on  her  matchless  brow 


Miscellaneous.  199 

Enthroned  in  innocence,  is  smiling  Love, 

With  her  attendant  Graces  from  above. 

How  strong  in  faith !  in  joyous  hope,  how  bright ! 

Like  rising  sun,  she  scatters  beams  of  light ; 

In  good  works  active,  for  the  poor  a  care, 

Fervent  in  Spirit —diligent  in  prayer, 

Then  onward  in  Faith !  for  you  now  behold 
The  buds  and  blossoms  all  fringed  with  gold ; 
The  ripening  fruit,  with  its  foliage  green, 
In  various  colors  may  be  seen. 

Then  onward  in  Hope !  your  future  is  bright, 
The  clear  sun  by  day,  the  bright  stars  by  night 
Will  lighten  your  pathway — will  cheer  you  on 
In  the  noble  work,  so  well  begun. 

Then  onward  in  Love !  united  and  strong ! 
Build  up  what  is  right,  discard  what  is  wrong; 
Onward  and  upward,  our  motto  shall  be, 
For  time,  and  through  all  Eternity. 


GIVE  US  THIS  DAY,  OUR  DAILY  BREAD. 


"  Give  us  this  day,  our  daily  bread  ; " 
How  often  asked — how  thoughtless  said, 
But  'tis  a  general  term,  you  know, 
As  used  by  mortals  here  below. 

"  Give  us  our  daily  bread  "  we  pray, 
All  use  it  rightly ;  the  same  way, 
But  'tis  a  comprehensive  prayer, 
Implying  several  kinds  of  ware. 

One  means  a  crust  a  bit  of  meat, 
An  Irish  stew,  unfit  to  eat, 
Some  cast-off  clothing — hut  of  clay  ; 
His  summiim  bonum,  day  by  day. 

One  means  good,  substantial  food, 
(Meat  once  a  day  is  understood) 
Milk  for  the  children — space  to  roam, 
A  rustic  cottage — quiet  home. 


Miscellaneous.  20 1 

One  means  more  than  a  simple  dish, 

For  after  soup,  he  wants  his  fish  ; 

Then  orders  on  the  roast  beef  rare, 

Has  just  commenced  his  sumptuous  fare, 

For  on  the  side-board  soon  appear 

Pies,  dumplings,  puddings,  coffee  clear, 

Ices  and  cream — and  in  the  train 

Come  sparkling  wines,  and  choice  champagne. 

The  man  of  fashion — nice  and  prim, 
Thinks  of  new  suits,  "  nobby  "  and  trim  ; 
His  wife,  of  course,  must  have  her  share, 
She  goes  for  silks  and  diamonds  rare. 

The  millionaire,  with  wealth  untold, 
Clings  to  his  bonds,  and  stocks,  and  gold, 
And  prays  for  more — petition  strains 
To  take  in  profits,  rents  and  gains. 

The  politician  as  of  yore, 
Means  office,  plunder,  and  a  score 
Of  other  things — he  ne'er  forgets 
To  call  them  "  Jwnest  perquisites" 


2O2  Miscellaneous. 

Our  prayer  should  be,  our  daily  bread, 
In  peace,  contentment  to  be  fed  ; 
If  we  have  wealth — of  goods  a  store, 
To  make  us  Almoners  to  the  poor. 


REFLECTIONS. 


ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  DEAR  FRIEND. 


As  Autumn  leaves  are  dropping, 
Touched  by  an  early  frost, 
As  sweetest  flowers  are  blasted, 
And  all  their  fragrance  lost ; 

As  evening  shadows  flitting, 
Will  from  our  pathway  glide, 
Like  sunbeams  which  go  dancing, 
Like  ebb  and  flood  of  tide  ; 

As  wave  upon  the  ocean, 
Dies  on  the  sandy  shore, 
Like  ripple  on  the  water, 
Which  sinks  for  evermore  ; 

As  mighty  ships  are  stranded, 
Beneath  the  maelstrom's  sway, 
As  midnight  dreams  most  vivid, 
Do  quickly  pass  away  ; 


2O4  Miscellaneous. 

Like  bubble  floating  in  the  air, 
Like  rainbow,  changeable,  but  fair, 
Like  pearl-drop  in  an  infant's  eye, 
Like  snow-flake  from  an  April's  sky ; 

Thus  Human  Life  is  fleeting, 
A  moment's  space — no  more  ! 
To-day  we  live — to-morrow  die, 
And  our  brief  toil  is  o'er. 

Another  light  extinguished, 
Another  spirit  fled, 
Another  form  lies  lifeless 
In  its  cold  and  silent  bed. 

Another  heart  ceased  throbbing, 
Another  pulse  is  still, 
Another  saint  in  glory 
Doing  her  Maker's  will. 

With  golden  harp,  with  sceptre  bright, 
All  clothed  in  robes  of  dazzling  light 
Her  ransomed  spirit  now  at  rest, 
Forever  with  the  Angels  blest. 


LIFE  AND  DEATH. 


£arth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ! 
Gold  will  tarnish — steel  will  rust, 
Flowers  will  fade,  and  dazzling  light 
Of  brightest  day,  will  change  to  night. 

Earth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ; 
Storms  will  gather — bubbles  burst, 
The  sea  will  yawn — wild  waters  hiss, 
While  wrecks  go  down  in  the  abyss. 

Earth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ; 
In  human  strength  we  cannot  trust, 
Dreams  will  vanish — hopes  decay, 
And  noon-day  glory  fade-  away. 

I',  irth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ; 
I)ie  we  may,  and  die  we  must. 
Joys  will  change  to  bitter  sorrow 
Life  to-day      but  death  to  morrow. 


2o6  Miscellaneous. 

Earth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ; 
The  rich,  the  poor,  the  vile,  the  just  ; 
All  will  be  changed — for  all  must  die, 
Each  in  his  narrow  grave  will  lie. 

Earth  to  earth,  and  dust  to  dust  ; 
What  matters  it? — the  Soul  will  burst 
Its  shackles  ! — free  from  earthy  sod, 
'Twill  mount  unfettered  to  its  God. 


CHRISTMAS  HYMN. 


RECITED   UN    CHRISTMAS    EVE,  BEFORE    THE    SABBATH    SCHOOL   OF 
WESTMINSTER    CHURCH,    BI.OOMPIELD,    N.    J. 


Another  year  is  past  and  gone, 
Another  festive  season  come, 
\Yith  sparkling  eyes — with  joyous  face 
We  crowd  this  sacred,  holy  place. 

Westminster  !     Endearing  name  ! 
She  claims  no  titles,  wealth  or  fame, 
No  stately  dome,  no  belfry  high, 
No  turrets  pointing  to  the  sky  ; 

No  ivory  throne,  no  glorious  nave, 
No  sculptured  fi^urc-s  oftlir  brave, 
No  •  '!.>iiKid  roof — no  tombs  of  Kings, 
No  crumbling  monuments  she  brings; 


208  Miscellaneous. 

No  images  of  saints  in  gold, 

No  transepts,  cloisters  as  of  old, 

No  high  mass  said — no  low  mass  done, 

No  Prelate's  voice,  "  Dominus  vobiscum" 

Bedecked  alone  with  fragrant  flowers, 
Culled  by  fair  hands  from  Nature's  bowers, 
This  young  church  stands,  as  she  will  stand, 
A  model  from  the  Master's  hand. 

Within  these  gates  may  Peace  and  Love, 
Bring  richest  blessings  from  above, 
Our  songs  of  praise — our  selemn  prayer, 
Bespeak,  O  Lord  !  thy  presence  here. 

To  our  loved  Pastor,  who  has  striven 
To  lead  our  wandering  souls  to  heaven, 
Our  heartfelt  thanks  we  give,  and  pray 
That  God  will  bless  him  day  by  day. 

Our  Superintendent's  smiling  face, 
Beaming  with  love  and  heavenly  grace, 
With  welcome  hearts  we  ever  greet, 
When  in  the  Sabbath  School  we  meet. 


Miscellaneous.  209 

Teachers !  to  you,  our  thanks  we  owe, 
For  kindness — watchful  care  you  show, 
For  good  works  done,  instruction  given, 
Turning  our  thoughts  from  earth  to  heaven. 

God  bless  all  worlds,  God  bless  the  earth, 
God  bless  the  land  that  gave  us  birth — 
Our  church,  our  school,  this  festive  sight, 
God  bless  us  all !     Good  Night !   Good  Night ! 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


FS      Bliss  - 

-3 Queen  Esther ^^^g    A  001  372  291  3 

B6l9lq 


PS 

1103 
B6l9Uq 


